Early February 1121 Information

A very small percentage of taxpayers may see an 1121 reference number if they check “Where’s My Refund?” after they initially were provided a projected refund date by the tool. The IRS is aware of this situation, and emphasizes that the small group of taxpayers who see this reference number should continue checking Where’s My Refund for an update. If we need more information to process their return, we will contact them — usually by mail.

The IRS began processing returns on Jan. 31, and we’ve already issued millions of refunds. The IRS works hard to issue refunds as quickly as possible, but as part of our effort to prevent improper payments some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, such as when a return includes errors, is incomplete, or needs further review. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience.

Q: What should taxpayers do if they receive an 1121 reference number when they check Where’s My Refund?

A: The best advice for all taxpayers is to continue checking Where’s My Refund for a refund date. If we need more information to process their return, we will contact them — usually by mail. The web and phone tools are updated just once a day so there is no need to check more often. Our phone and walk-in representatives can only research the status of a refund if it’s been 21 days or more since the return was filed electronically, more than 6 weeks since a paper return was mailed, or if Where’s My Refund? directs a taxpayer to contact us as in the case of those who see the 1121 reference number.

Q: I read in social media that a reference number 1121 means I’m being audited. Is that true?

A: No, this code is simply a reference number that our telephone representatives use to help them research your account. It does not mean the taxpayer is being audited. If the IRS needs more information to process the return, we will contact the taxpayer — usually by mail.