No, the main IRS systems aren't generally down, but specific services experience planned maintenance or occasional issues, so check status pages like IRS.gov for IRIS or Downdetector for user reports; for example, during holiday seasons, e-filing shuts down briefly for annual updates, and the PTIN system recently had maintenance, so check for targeted announcements.
User reports indicate no current problems at IRS.
Can't track my refund Can't track my refund If you don't see any information on the IRS tracker, it's because your return has not been processed yet. Don't worry-just continue to check the tracker on a daily basis-the information is updated every 24 hours.
According to the official ID.me status page, the service is currently up .
Troubleshoot your internet connection and browser
Make sure you have a strong internet connection or wifi signal. Update your browser to ensure you're using the latest version. Clear your browser's cookies and cache. Try using a different device.
Your IRS balance might not be available because the return is still processing, you have a system-wide issue, there's a data mismatch (like an incorrect SSN), it's too soon after filing (allow days/weeks for updates), or you owe penalties/interest not on the main return, but you should still pay the amount from your return by the deadline regardless.
"Having difficulty accessing the Income Tax e-Filing Portal? Sometimes, access difficulties with the Income Tax e-Filing Portal may arise due to local system/browser settings. These simple steps often help resolve such issues: ▶️Delete temporary files → Press Win + R → type temp and %temp% → delete all files.
The IRS e-file shutdown 2025 begins on Friday, December 26, 2025, at 11:59 A.M. Eastern Time. During this annual maintenance period, the IRS takes its electronic tax filing system offline to update systems and prepare for the new tax year. The IRS announced it will officially reopen e-file on January 26, 2026.
You mailed your return less than 4 weeks ago. Paper-filers should wait 4 weeks before using WMR. If it's late January or early February, WMR can be overwhelmed by early filers. Call the WMR automated hotline instead: 1-800-829-1954.
Your information might not be on the IRS website due to recent filing delays, needing more time to process your return (especially with errors or credits like EITC), authentication issues (name/SSN mismatch), or temporary technical glitches with the IRS system; you might need to wait, verify details, or try a different access method.
Updates to refund status are made once a day — usually at night. Even with the January 30 opening of the tax season, we expect refunds to be issued within normal timeframes. The IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days last year.
If you don't file your tax return by the October 15 extension deadline, the IRS charges a failure-to-file penalty of 5% per month (up to 25%) on unpaid taxes, plus a failure-to-pay penalty (0.5% per month), and interest on the total amount due, potentially leading to significant costs, though you can request penalty abatement for reasonable cause, and if you're owed a refund, you generally won't face penalties but risk losing your refund if you wait too long (usually over 3 years).
Irs.gov is UP and reachable by us. Please check and report on local outages below ...
The IRS has resumed normal operations following the conclusion of the government shutdown, including reopening the agency's Taxpayer Assistance Centers.
You may need to update your name on your credentials used to access IRS online services. If this error persists, you verified your identity without using a Social Security number (SSN). The IRS currently requires this to access online services.
If your federal refund is late, follow these steps:
Here are four options to find out your status with the IRS.
Check your refund
Information is updated once a day, overnight. Where's My Refund is unavailable each morning, generally between 4-5 a.m. Eastern time, while we make these updates.
You can get in-person help at your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Locate a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you. Check what services are available at that location, then call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment. IRS offices are closed on federal holidays.