The income tax filing deadline is just around the corner, but many taxpayers decided not to wait until the last minute to file. Those who opted against procrastination and are entitled to a refund may have already received it. But for those anxiously awaiting a check in the mail or a sum deposited directly into their bank account, the wait can be fraught with worry.
After all, a delayed refund can mean more than waiting a few extra days for your cash – it can signal problems with your return. So when should you give worrying a rest, and when is there real cause for concern?
Where's my refund?
According to the IRS, refund information is available as soon as 24 hours after an e-filed return is received, while the status on a mailed return takes about four weeks. The IRS's Where's My Refund? tool is popular with taxpayers wanting to check on their return. In fact, it's so popular that the tool has been known to get jammed by eager taxpayers checking on their returns several times a day. But experts warn that there's no need to check it multiple times daily since it typically updates just once per day, usually at night.
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The IRS2Go mobile app, available on the App Store, Google Play and Amazon, is another tool for taxpayers looking to check their refund status.
Most refunds are are issued in fewer than 21 days, according to the IRS. There are a number of reasons a refund could be delayed, any of which are a legitimate cause for concern, says Brian Ashcraft, director of operations for Liberty Tax. "Incomplete or glaring errors on the return could do it, or they could get an additional IRS review," he says. "Certain returns are flagged, or if your return has been impacted by identity theft or fraud."
If there's an error on your return, you may see an error code when using the Where's My Refund? tool, Ashcraft says. That may help you identify the reason for a delay.
But Melissa Labant, director of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants tax staff, says taxpayers will know that's an issue long before they go to check the status of their refund. "If there's an issue of identity theft, in most cases, you'll know when you attempt to file your return," she says. "The IRS won't allow you to file your return because another one has been filed under your Social Security number."
The IRS must also wait until a certain date to process and issue refunds to taxpayers claiming the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit. According to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, the IRS cannot issue those funds before mid-February, so early filers claiming those credits would not see their money until after that date has passed.
The holdup with your tax refund could also be an issue of withholding.
"Unpaid child support, federal agency debt, outstanding student loans, back state income tax – any of these things could offset the refund," Ashcraft says. "But if it does, you'll be notified."
Before you assume the worst, remember: Sometimes a delay is just a delay.
When to take action
If you haven't heard anything three weeks after filing your return, it's time to check in with the IRS.
"After 21 days, that would be the only time you'd realize that something didn't go through as normal," Ashcraft says, "and you can talk to an IRS representative."
If a month goes by and you haven't heard anything, visit the Where's My Refund? page for more information. If your refund has been lost, you can request a replacement check if it has been more than 28 days from when your refund was mailed.
If you can't get your refund questions answered through the Where's My Refund? tool or by talking with an IRS representative, consider contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service. This independent organization within the IRS represents taxpayers and can be contacted at 877-777-4778.
And keep in mind there's always the possibility that a minor error is holding things up.
"It's not always 'the sky's falling' if you didn't get your refund," Ashcraft says. "Sometimes, you just didn't fill it out properly."
FAQs
How long a refund is delayed depends on the issue with the return. The IRS often can correct math errors without involving taxpayers, so those refunds might be delayed just a few weeks. If there are concerns about possible identity theft, taxpayers could wait more than a year, according to the IRS.
Should I be worried if my refund is delayed? ›
How long a refund is delayed depends on the issue with the return. The IRS often can correct math errors without involving taxpayers, so those refunds might be delayed just a few weeks. If there are concerns about possible identity theft, taxpayers could wait more than a year, according to the IRS.
When should I worry about not getting my tax refund? ›
Filing your tax return electronically with direct deposit should give you a tax refund in about 21 days, according to the IRS. If you've been waiting longer than three weeks and no refund has arrived yet, there could be a problem or your tax situation may simply require additional processing.
Should I be worried if my tax refund is still being processed? ›
If your refund details state that it's still processing, you can check your tax return to see if you catch any errors. If your refund status instructs you to contact the IRS, you can speak to an agent to get clarification by calling 1-800-829-1040.
Does a delayed tax refund mean an audit? ›
The IRS can hold your refund and request more information from you in several situations. This doesn't mean you're being audited – but it can lead to one if you don't respond with all the information by the deadline.
How long can a tax refund be delayed? ›
If you requested a refund of tax withheld on a Form 1042-S by filing a Form 1040NR, we will need additional time to process the return. Please allow up to 6 months from the original due date of the 1040NR return or the date you actually filed the 1040NR, whichever is later to receive any refund due.
What's the longest a tax return can take? ›
Typically, you can expect to receive your refund more quickly via direct deposit than if you choose to receive a paper check. In fact, getting your refund via check can take one month when you e-file and two months when you file by mail.
How do I know if my tax return has been flagged? ›
Taxpayers whose tax returns have been flagged for possible identity theft should receive one of the following letters: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option – Provides online and phone options and is issued most widely.
Why hasn't my refund been approved yet? ›
An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.
Does it really take 9 weeks for a tax return? ›
It may take up to 9 weeks to receive your refund or credit any overpayment to your account. However, if we find other problems, we'll contact you again and this may delay your refund. You may check the status of your tax refund using Where's My Refund? or the IRS2Go mobile app after 2 to 3 weeks.
That time frame can expand significantly if you file a paper return or if the information on your return doesn't pass through IRS electronic filters – if, for example, the income you reported doesn't match up with the W-2s or 1099s the IRS received for you or there are mistakes on your return.
Does still being processed mean something is wrong? ›
If their refund status changes from “being processed” status to “still being processed” status, the issue detected in the tax forms was likely resolved and the refund may be released when it is approved for a future cycle date.
Why is the IRS taking so long to approve my refund? ›
The return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud. The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount. The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit, additional child tax credit, or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse AllocationPDF.
Why is my refund still processing? ›
As the return is processed, whether it was filed electronically or on paper, it may be delayed due to: Mistakes. Missing information. Suspicious activity referred by banks.
What if the IRS is holding my refund for 60 days? ›
If you haven't received your refund or heard from us after 60 days, you can call us at the number listed above. Someone may have attempted to use your personal information to obtain a tax refund. 14039 instructions, along with a copy of this notice. Notify your financial institutions.
Why are refunds taking so long in 2024? ›
The IRS says that tax returns can be delayed for the following reasons: It was sent by mail. It contains errors or is incomplete. It needs further review.
What does it mean when the IRS says your refund is delayed? ›
The return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud. The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount. The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit, additional child tax credit, or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse AllocationPDF.
Why does the IRS say my refund is delayed? ›
Errors on or Incomplete Tax Returns: Your refund may be delayed for something as simple as a forgotten signature or because there is some other type of error, including mathematical errors or if the income reported by you doesn't match what your employer or other third-party payers have reported.
Why are IRS refunds taking so long? ›
The IRS says that tax returns can be delayed for the following reasons: It was sent by mail. It contains errors or is incomplete. It needs further review.
