Why You Might Not Get Your Tax Refund Right Away

If you're like me and millions of other Americans, you hate doing your taxes, but look forward to the refund because it means you can pay off bills, fix the broken heater in your house or tuck it away for a rainy day.

If you're banking on an instant tax refund to help pay bills, fund a vacation or fix a problem in your house, you might not want to hold your breath. The IRS says that this year there could be a long delay between when you file and when you have your check in your hand.

If you apply for certain tax credits, your wait will be especially long as the IRS is working on their computer system software so that it will accept some of the credit forms approved by Congress.

It used to be in the past when you'd file your tax return, you'd be given an estimated date of when you'd receive your refund.  Now the IRS is only able to tell you that you should get your refund within 21 days of filing.