While the IRS official guidance states it can take up to 9 weeks to process a tax return after identity verification in 2025, the actual timeframe is often shorter. Many taxpayers receive their refunds within 2 to 6 weeks after successful verification, although 9 weeks remains the official maximum for processing delays.
The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days of e-filing, but paper-filed returns can take 6 to 8 weeks.
Your refund
It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.
The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2025 (returns filed in 2026). Most refunds will be issued within 21 days after the return has been accepted, according to the IRS.
Errors on or Incomplete Tax Returns: Your refund may be delayed for something as simple as a forgotten signature, mathematical errors or if the income reported by you doesn't match what your employer or other third-party payers have reported.
Refund processing by the tax department starts only after the return is e-verified by the taxpayer. Usually, it takes 4-5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the account of the taxpayer.
You generally shouldn't worry if your refund is "still being processed," as it means the IRS is working on it, but it might take longer than the typical 21 days due to common issues like errors, incomplete information, or claiming credits like the EITC/ACTC. Worry only becomes necessary if you receive an IRS letter requesting more information or if the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows a specific problem like fraud, but typically, it just means a longer wait, not no refund at all.
When taxpayers file their 2025 tax. returns in 2026, many will see larger refunds than in recent years. That's due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which reduced individual income taxes for 2025 by an estimated $129 billion. But because the IRS did not adjust withholding.
Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It's available anytime on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received.
For 2025 tax refunds (filed in 2026), expect e-filed returns with direct deposit in about 21 days, while paper returns take 4-8 weeks, though EITC/ACTC refunds are delayed until mid-February by law. Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool for the most accurate status, needing your SSN, filing status, and refund amount.
The IRS does sometimes send letters requesting identity verification. If your return triggered certain fraud filters, they might pause processing until they confirm you are the actual, real person who filed. This doesn't mean you did anything wrong. In fact, it's a protective measure.
The IRS may send these identify fraud letters to taxpayers:
Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft with Online Option: This tells the taxpayer to use an online tool to verify their identity and tax return information. If the taxpayer didn't file, they can let the IRS know with the online tool.
The IRS asks you to verify your identity primarily to stop fraud, often because someone filed a tax return using your Social Security Number (SSN) without your permission, or due to data discrepancies, a new address, or a previous data breach involving your info. Verification ensures you are the legitimate taxpayer before they process your return, issue refunds, or grant access to your online account, protecting you from identity theft.
New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The 'up to 9 weeks' to complete processing starts when you verify. If you verified on March 10, you should allow until May 12 before contacting the IRS again.
Key takeaways. Most people receive refunds within three weeks if they e-file and choose direct deposit; paper returns can take six weeks or more. Filing accurately — especially when claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit— helps prevent refund delays.
Processing your refund usually takes: Up to 21 days for an e-filed return. 6 weeks or more for returns sent by mail.
tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of the taxpayer's e-filed return. The tool also provides a personalized refund date after the return is processed and a refund is approved.
What causes an IRS refund delay?
During the 2025 tax filing season, the IRS issued more than 93.5 million tax refunds to individual income tax filers, and 93% of those, almost 87 million refunds, were issued through direct deposit.
The IRS issues refunds only on business days. However, some banks may post deposits on Saturdays if funds are received late on a Friday.
Typically, the refund process takes around 20-45 days after the e-verification of the income tax return. However, if the acknowledgement has been sent physically to the CPC, it may take longer. Demand determined: This means additional tax is payable.
If the IRS decides that your return merits a second glance, you'll be issued a CP05 Notice 1 . This notice lets you know that your return is being reviewed to verify any or all of the following: Your income. Your tax withholding.