The tax filing deadline is just 2 weeks away, but it could be months before some get their refund

NOW: The tax filing deadline is just 2 weeks away, but it could be months before some get their refund
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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The tax filing deadline for your 2021 return is April 18, 2022. That's just two weeks away, and this year you could be waiting months depending on how you file your return. 

The IRS is nearly a year behind processing paper tax returns because of the COVID-19 pandemic and outdated technology.

"If you're paper filing, to be honest with you, you'll probably wait until Christmas to get your refund," said Jon Neal and certified public accountant at The Neal Group. 

Neal says the process is going smoother than it did the last two years, as the IRS dealt with people unable to go into the office because of the pandemic. However, more people are turning to professionals to do their taxes for them, and it could help you get your return back months sooner.

"I think they’re just getting frustrated would be the best word," said Neal. With all the changes, with what they need to do. And if they did it by themselves they may not have the refund they anticipated."

In 2021, people received tax credits throughout the year that they'd usually get when they filed their returns in April. 

"They’re confused," said Neal. "You have the stimulus payment that was received in early 2021, you have the advanced child credits that were received later in the year." 

The IRS says it usually processes returns within 21 days, but those who need to make a correction to either the child tax credit or the recovery rebate could wait up to four months. 

Neal says tax season is a good time to check your exemptions for the current year to make sure you're ahead of the game for next April. 

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