If your tax return is still processing, use the IRS Where's My Refund? tool or IRS2Go app to check the status, which updates every 24 hours. Generally, the IRS issues refunds within 21 days for e-filed returns, though delays can occur due to incomplete info, claimed credits (EITC/ACTC), or paper filing.
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.
Individual returns
Electronically filed Form 1040 returns are generally processed within 21 days.
Your refund is still being processed because of errors, incomplete information, suspected identity theft, complex credits (like EITC/ACTC), or a backlog, requiring extra review beyond the typical 21 days, with status updates available on the IRS Where's My Refund tool. Common causes include math errors, missing signatures, mismatched info, or claiming certain credits that trigger extra scrutiny.
You may call us toll-free at 800-829-1040, M - F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
You took certain tax credits this tax year:
The IRS may need additional documentation to verify eligibility for these credits. If the IRS doesn't think you're eligible to claim the credits based on its return screening filters, it can delay your refund and ask for more information.
A “return being processed” status means the IRS has your tax return, and your paper check, direct deposit or e-return is hopefully on the way. Your personalized refund date will be available as soon as the IRS finishes processing your return and confirms its approval.
In progress – Processing. You may see this status at 2 stages of processing: We've received your tax return and started processing it. We've nearly finalised your tax return and a notice of assessment will issue soon (you will see an estimated assessment issue date by selecting the down arrow).
There's no strict maximum limit for how long the IRS can hold a refund, but they must pay interest after 45 days; while most e-filed returns take 21 days, returns needing extra review for errors, fraud, or certain credits (like EITC/ACTC) can take months (45-180+ days), and amended returns can take 8-16 weeks, with unfiled returns having an indefinite delay until filed.
Usually, it takes 4-5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the account of the taxpayer. However, if refund is not received during this duration, the taxpayer must check for intimation regarding discrepancies in ITR; check email for any notification from the IT department regarding the refund.
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.
How long does it take for the IRS to approve my refund? Here's what you can expect in terms of timing. IRS approval: The IRS works to review and approve refunds quickly and efficiently. In fact, historically, more than 9 out of 10 refunds are processed and approved within 21 days of e-file acceptance.
Most e-filed returns are processed within 21 days. – Paper-filed returns generally take 6 to 8 weeks for the IRS to process and send your refund.
If your return was submitted more than 21 days ago, you may wish to contact the IRS to see if more information is required. You may be asked to verify information contained on your return, your identity or your banking information. Please have your return available when you call.
It's possible there is a conflict between the return and some other documents that has been filed with the IRS (a W-2), etc. Any issue with the return can add 6-12 mos to process anything, easily. That being said, you have confirmation that they return was filed and received. That's good.
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.
You must offer a refund to customers if they've told you within 14 days of receiving their item that they want to cancel. They have another 14 days to return the item once they've told you. You must refund the customer within 14 days of receiving the item back.
This means the IRS has your tax return and is processing it. Your personalized refund date will be available as soon as the IRS finishes processing your return and confirms that your refund has been approved.
However, in most cases, ITR is processed after 7-30 days of e-verification. If processing takes more time, there may be a reason for checking arithmetic accuracy, incorrect claims, or comparing with other relevant financial data.
Refunds to debit cards tend to take between two and five business days, but it can take up to 30 days depending on the company issuing the refund.
Once a return is accepted, the next major milestone is approval. Approval happens after the IRS finishes processing the return and confirms the information is ready for final review. If a refund is expected, approval is the stage when the IRS authorizes its release.
Does processing mean payment went through? Not necessarily. "Processing" means the payment request has been received and is being handled, but it doesn't guarantee that the payment has been completed yet. The funds may not be available until the payment status changes to "Completed" or "Settled."
The main 2025 tax refund delay reasons include errors or incomplete information on returns, claims for the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, identity verification processes, amended returns, and offsets for outstanding debts. Paper returns and bank processing times can also contribute to delays.