Where's My Refund? Delays, Processing Times, and What You Can Do

You filed your taxes weeks ago, double checked your bank info, and were expecting a refund by now; but it still hasn’t arrived. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Each year, millions of tax filers face refund delays. While some are resolved quickly, others can stretch on for weeks or even months. In this article, we’ll break down the most common reasons for IRS refund delays in 2025, how to check your status, what to do if you’re stuck, and how to avoid problems in the future.

How Long Does It Normally Take to Get a Refund?

The IRS says it issues most refunds within 21 days of receiving an e-filed return with direct deposit. But that’s not a guarantee and several factors can slow things down.

Here’s the typical timeline:

Filing Method	Refund Time (Direct Deposit)	Refund Time (Paper Check)
E-file (with no issues)	1–3 weeks	3–4 weeks
Paper return	6–8 weeks or longer	8–10 weeks
Amended return (Form 1040-X)	16–20 weeks	16–20 weeks

How to Check Your Refund Status.

The IRS provides a few tools to track your refund:

1. Where’s My Refund?

Use the IRS online tracker at irs.gov/wheres-my-refund

You’ll need:

Your Social Security number (or ITIN)
Filing status (Single, MFJ, etc.)
Exact refund amount on your return

Status updates usually begin 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.

2. IRS2Go App

Download the free IRS app for real-time updates on your phone.

3. Call the IRS

Only use this option if:

It’s been more than 21 days since e-filing
Or more than 6 weeks since mailing a return

Call: 1-800-829-1040 (expect long wait times)

Common Reasons for Refund Delays in 2025.

Understanding what causes delays can give you peace of mind or help you take action if needed.

1. Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)

Federal law requires the IRS to hold refunds that include EITC or ACTC until mid-to-late February, regardless of when you file. This rule is designed to prevent fraud.

In 2025, most of these refunds are expected to be released by February 27, assuming there are no issues.

2. Inaccurate Information or Errors

Simple mistakes — like a wrong Social Security number, typos, or incorrect bank info — can delay your refund. Other common errors include:

Math miscalculations
Filing under the wrong status
Forgetting to report 1099 income

The IRS may adjust your return and send a notice (usually IRS Notice CP11 or CP12) explaining changes.

3. Manual Review or Identity Verification

Returns flagged for possible fraud or inconsistencies are pulled for manual review. You may be asked to verify:

Your identity (via Letter 5071C, 4883C, or 6331C)
Your income sources
Your dependents

Until you respond, the refund will be on hold.

4. Amended Return or Injured Spouse Claim

These returns take longer to process — often up to 20 weeks. You can track amended returns using the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool.

5. Back Taxes or Other Debts

If you owe:

Back taxes
Student loans
Child support
State unemployment overpayments

The Treasury Offset Program may take part or all of your refund. You’ll get a letter explaining the offset.

Refund Tracker Statuses: What They Mean.

The “Where’s My Refund?” tool displays 3 main statuses:

Return Received – The IRS has your return and is processing it.
Refund Approved – Your refund has been approved and a date is provided.
Refund Sent – The money has been sent to your bank or mailed as a check.

If your status stays at “Return Received” for more than 21 days, something may be holding up your return.

What If the IRS Adjusts My Refund?

If the IRS finds an error or makes a change to your return, they’ll send a Notice of Adjustment with:

The original refund amount
The new adjusted amount
A short explanation of the change

Always read IRS letters carefully and keep them for your records. If you disagree, you can appeal or request a correction.

What If I Still Don’t Have My Refund?

If your refund is taking longer than normal and you’re not receiving clear updates, try the following:

1. Check Your IRS Account Online

Go to irs.gov/account and log in or create an ID.me account. You can view:

Return and payment history
Notices sent
Any pending balance or offset

2. Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)

TAS helps taxpayers with delayed or stuck refunds. Call 877-777-4778 or find your local TAS office. This is especially helpful if:

You’re facing financial hardship
The delay has no clear explanation
You’ve contacted the IRS but received no resolution

3. File an IRS Form 911

This is the official request for TAS assistance. It’s free and can help escalate serious refund delays.

Tips to Avoid Refund Delays in the Future.

Here are steps you can take to speed up your refund:

E-file early using accurate info
Use direct deposit
Avoid math or entry errors
Report all income (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
Don’t guess on numbers
Double-check bank info and routing numbers
Use software or a tax pro to reduce human errors

Why Some Refunds Are Smaller Than Expected.

Sometimes, a refund arrives but it is less than you expected.
Possible reasons:

Tax preparer fees were deducted
Treasury offset for back debts
IRS adjustments due to errors or unreported income
Child-related credits reduced if eligibility wasn’t met

You’ll usually receive a Notice CP12 or CP49 explaining what changed.

Direct Deposit vs. Paper Check.

Direct deposit is faster, safer, and more reliable than waiting for a paper check. You can even split your refund across up to 3 bank accounts using Form 8888.

However, if your bank rejects the deposit (wrong account number, closed account), the IRS will mail a check, adding another 2–3 weeks of wait time.

Scams to Watch Out For.

Unfortunately, refund delays create opportunities for scammers to strike. Be alert to:

Fake IRS calls or emails asking for personal info
Texts claiming your refund is “on hold” unless you click a link
Social media promises of “early refund loans”

The IRS will never:

Call or email demanding personal information
Ask for payment in gift cards or crypto
Threaten to arrest you

When in doubt, visit irs.gov or call the IRS directly.

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