Identity Theft Protection Blog

By the AllClear ID Team

Kelly here with AllClear ID. Still waiting on your tax refund? The Wall Street Journal reports that recent improvements to the IRS’s electronic screening system are delaying tax refunds for some legitimate filers. This delay has angered a number of taxpayers who have made plans for their refunds; some have even taken to threatening their tax preparers.

The delay began with a series of computer glitches that have since been resolved. However, you may want to cut the IRS a bit of slack; the remaining returns are being slowed due to new fraud filters that have been implemented this year. These filters flag returns that are suspected of fraud for reasons such as a recently changed address, or a Social Security number already in use.

These flags are designed to help prevent identity thieves from filing under your information. As we reported, these thefts can cause your refund to be delayed for months. So while waiting an extra few weeks is a bit inconvenient, you may want to cut the IRS some slack. This delay could save months of time and trouble.

To read more about keeping your identity safe during tax season, check out our blog.

Views expressed are the personal views of the author, and do not represent the views of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, its employees, its members, or its clients.