Filed Jan 22nd - Still No Refund! Child Tax Credit Delay?

There are several potential factors at play here. Returns claiming the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are subject to additional verification under IRC Section 24(g) which can extend processing times by 4-8 weeks beyond standard timeframes. Additionally, as a 1099 filer, your return is likely subject to income verification protocols that compare reported earnings against information returns submitted by payers. Have you checked your account transcript on the IRS website to see if there are any processing codes that might explain the delay?

Have you tried calling the IRS directly? I know their phone lines are swamped, but using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) helped me get through within 30 minutes when I was dealing with a similar delay. They can check if your return is actually processing or if there's a specific hold causing the delay. Sometimes they can even expedite if you're experiencing financial hardship. What's your Where's My Refund status showing?

The processing delays this year are particularly frustrating. According to IRS Publication 5344, returns with Child Tax Credit claims should be processed within 21 days, but pursuant to Internal Revenue Manual 21.5.6.4.7, returns with self-employment income receive heightened scrutiny. Given you filed on January 22nd, we're well beyond the standard timeframe, which is concerning. I'm in a similar situation - filed February 2nd with self-employment income and still waiting. I'm worried this might trigger a correspondence audit under IRC 7602.

Compared to my previous experience with W-2 only returns, 1099 income definitely extends processing time. In your situation, I'd recommend using taxr.ai to analyze your transcript once you can access it. Unlike other tools that just show raw data, taxr.ai explains exactly what each code means for your specific situation and can predict when you'll actually receive your refund. I've found it much more accurate than the general 21-day guideline, especially for more complex returns with self-employment income and tax credits.

Check your transcript. Not WMR. Transcript shows real status. WMR is often outdated. Look for code 570/571. That's a hold/release. Child Tax Credit adds verification time. Self-employment adds more scrutiny. Normal processing is 4-8 weeks now. Not 21 days. Don't panic yet. Still within normal timeframe for your situation.

I went through this exact nightmare last year with my own taxes. Filed January 15th with Child Tax Credit and 1099 income, and didn't see my refund until March 28th. The IRS has special verification procedures for both CTC claims and self-employment income. I remember checking the Where's My Refund tool obsessively every morning at 3am thinking it would somehow update faster! What finally worked was requesting my tax transcript which showed code 570 (additional account action pending) followed later by 571 (resolved) and then 846 (refund issued).

Don't waste time calling until you're outside normal processing windows. I'm a contractor too and my refund with Child Tax Credit took 7 weeks this year. The IRS is seriously backlogged. Just keep checking your transcript weekly instead of daily - saves your sanity. When I finally got mine, it had interest added because it took so long, so at least there's that small bonus.