Filing your tax returns early may not guarantee an early return, IRS software glitch delays returns

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A week may not feel like a long wait, but for some Americans, seven days is too long.

That’s the amount of time early tax filers may have to wait to receive their tax returns. New software at the IRS is adding lag time to the refunds.

According to the IRS, it installed new computer system safeguards to prevent fraud. Though, now it appears those safeguards may keep a refund from your mailbox.

Some taxpayers depend heavily on their returns, making this surprise change dangerous.

If you filed before last Thursday, January 26th, your refund could be affected. Tax payers who filed returns after that date will not be affected.

The delay affects all kinds of federal returns, regardless of how they were filed or who prepared them.

Fortunately, the delay doesn't affect Kansas or Missouri state tax refunds.

Aimee Sanita owns Circle Tax and Accounting in Kansas City. She said, “So far this year, a couple of clients that have called me have said their refunds are getting in there real quick. Again, this year, if you're doing direct deposit, you'll get it in a couple of days. And, if you're mailing a check maybe a week or two."

The IRS makes it easy for taxpayers to track their refunds. Click here to use online IRS tracking tools. Remember, though, the dates provided are just estimates.