You filed your taxes. You double-checked everything. Now you’re checking your bank account every morning… but your refund still hasn’t arrived.
What’s going on?
The IRS typically issues most refunds within 21 days. But for millions of taxpayers, delays happen — and often for reasons that are avoidable or fixable.
In this post, we’ll explain the 10 most common reasons your tax refund might be delayed, and what you can do to speed things up.
Explore more in this After-Filing IRS Series →
After You File: IRS Refunds, Notices, and Audits (Coming Soon)
├─ IRS Refund Tracker Guide, Avoid Delays
├─ ✅ Why Is Your Tax Refund Delayed (You are here)
├─ Direct Deposit vs Paper Check: Which Is Faster
├─ Tax Refund Smaller Than Expected? What to Do Next
├─ How to Respond to an IRS Letter or Tax Notice
├─ 5071C, 4883C, 5747C: IRS Identity Theft Victim?
├─ IRS CP2000 Notice: What It Means, Why You Got It?
├─ What If You Disagree with an IRS Notice? Steps to Appeal or Correct Errors (Coming Soon)
├─ What Triggers an IRS Audit? 7 Common Red Flags (Coming Soon)
├─ How to Prepare for an IRS Audit: Types, Expectations, and When to Get Help (Coming Soon)
└─ Do You Need a Tax Professional During an Audit? (Coming Soon)
1. You Filed a Paper Return
While e-filing is standard now, some people still file paper returns — and that’s okay. But it does come at a cost: significant delays.
- The IRS has to manually enter and process your return.
- During peak tax season, this backlog can stretch for 6 to 12 weeks.
- Paper returns are also more prone to errors and rejections.
What You Can Do:
👉 Next year, e-file using IRS Free File (if your income is under $79,000) or a trusted tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block.
2. There Are Errors or Missing Info on Your Return
Even small mistakes can cause big delays.
Common issues include:
- Misspelled names or mismatched Social Security Numbers
- Incorrect banking information
- Failing to report all income (especially 1099s)
- Arithmetic errors or incorrect credits claimed
What You Can Do:
👉 Double-check everything next time. Use tax prep software with built-in error checking, or get help from a tax professional.
3. You Claimed the EITC or CTC
The IRS must delay refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) until mid-February. This is due to laws designed to prevent fraud.
- Even if you file early in January, your refund will be held.
- Most EITC/CTC filers receive refunds by late February, but delays can push it into March.
What You Can Do:
👉 Be patient — use the Where’s My Refund? tool to monitor your status.
4. Direct Deposit Failed
Did you switch banks or enter your routing number wrong?
- If your direct deposit fails, the IRS sends a paper check, which takes longer.
- In some cases, the IRS might hold the refund entirely if they can’t verify the bank.
What You Can Do:
👉 Make sure your bank account info is updated and correct. For next year, consider setting up direct deposit again through reliable software.
5. You Filed an Amended Return
Filing Form 1040-X (an amended tax return) always takes longer — sometimes up to 20 weeks.
- Amended returns must be reviewed by an IRS employee.
- Even if the change is minor, expect processing delays.
What You Can Do:
👉 Track your return via Where’s My Amended Return?.
6. The IRS Needs to Verify Your Identity
If your return triggers any fraud alerts — like sudden changes in income, filing status, or credits claimed — the IRS may ask you to verify your identity.
- Look for Letter 5071C, Letter 4883C, or Letter 5747C.
- Until you respond, your refund is on hold.
What You Can Do:
👉 Complete the ID verification process online here or call the number on the letter.
7. You Changed Your Address or Name
A mismatched address or name change (e.g., after marriage or divorce) can cause refund checks or letters to be returned.
- If your refund is being mailed, it may get lost or delayed.
- This also applies to bank account name mismatches.
What You Can Do:
👉 Update your address with the IRS using Form 8822, and make sure your name matches your Social Security records.
8. You Owe Back Taxes or Other Debts
If you owe federal taxes, your refund can be reduced or completely offset. The same applies if you owe:
- Child support
- Student loans
- State income taxes
- Federal agency debts
This is handled by the Treasury Offset Program (TOP).
What You Can Do:
👉 You’ll receive a Notice of Offset if this applies to you. If you believe it’s an error, contact the TOP call center at 800-304-3107.
9. The IRS Selected Your Return for Manual Review
Sometimes the IRS pulls your return for extra review. This might happen if:
- You claimed unusually large deductions or credits
- Your return is inconsistent with past years
- You had multiple job changes or unusual income patterns
It doesn’t necessarily mean you did anything wrong — just that your return raised a flag.
What You Can Do:
👉 There’s no way to speed this up. Just wait, and watch the status with “Where’s My Refund?”
10. The IRS Is Still Processing a Backlog
Even in 2025, the IRS continues to face staff shortages, fraud detection delays, and processing backlogs from prior years — especially for mailed returns and complex returns.
What You Can Do:
👉 File early and electronically every year to avoid the bottleneck. Use e-filing software that confirms receipt in real time.
What If You’re Still Waiting?
Step 1: Use the IRS Refund Status Tool
You’ll need:
- Social Security Number or ITIN
- Filing status
- Exact refund amount
Step 2: Wait at least 21 days
If it’s been longer, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 — but expect long wait times.
Step 3: Consider checking your IRS transcript
Your tax transcript can reveal processing dates and any notices or holds.
Most refund delays are temporary — and fixable.
The key is to stay calm, verify everything, and follow up with the IRS only if it’s been 21+ days since you filed electronically.
The best defense for next year? File early, double-check your information, and choose direct deposit.
