Taxpayers nationwide need answers and they are heading to the IRS’ web site using the Where’s My Refund tool to get them. Last weekend alone, the IRS processed 1.4 million returns yet had 4.5 million hits to their Where’s My Refund page. Taxpayers are frequently checking the site from mobile devices such as phones and tablets.

“All of the delays this tax season are inconveniencing individuals who are accustomed to getting their refunds earlier. People desperately need their money,” said Linda Goepper, owner of Lawrenceburg and Harrison Liberty Tax offices.

In an official statement issued Thursday, Feb. 14, the IRS explained that the Where’s My Refund web site is receiving heavy volume of refund inquires. The IRS system only updates once every 24 hours, usually at night. The IRS stresses to taxpayers that there is no need to continually check the site, once daily is sufficient.

The typical time to receive a tax refund is 21 days with e-filing and direct deposit. However, several tax returns have been delayed in the system due to various forms that could not be processed, such as form 8863 for Education Credits. Starting today, the IRS is now filing tax returns that have form 8863 attached.

“This has been a challenging season.  We are trying to educate customers as best as possible.  We are also trying to ease their pain by providing everyone with a vacation voucher for a 3 day, 2 night Get-A-Way.  We just felt that this year, customer’s deserved an extra customer service touch.  When tax season begins with a Fiscal Cliff, you know there are going to be challenges.”