Tax return status: Why is my federal refund delayed?

WASHINGTON — As Tax Day approaches, the IRS is reminding filers about the most common reasons for why it may take longer than expected to get their refunds. 

The IRS has repeatedly said most federal refunds are issued within three weeks for those who file electronically and choose direct deposit. 

But the agency stressed Thursday that some payments may take longer than 21 days and “taxpayers shouldn’t rely on getting a refund by a certain date.”

The Internal…