Federal income tax refunds are typically issued within 21 days for electronically filed returns with direct deposit. Paper returns take significantly longer, often 6 to 8 weeks or more. Using the IRS Where's My Refund tool is the fastest way to track status, updated every 24 hours.
The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days of when you electronically filed your tax return, and longer for paper returns. Find out why your refund may be delayed or may not be the amount you expected.
Even though the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) issues most refunds in fewer than 8 weeks, it's possible your refund may take longer. Also, remember to take into consideration the time it takes for your financial institution to post the refund to your account or for you to receive it by mail.
Check the status of your Minnesota tax refund using these resources. Note: Processing time can vary. Please wait at least 72 hours before checking the status of your refund on electronically filed returns and 6 weeks for paper-filed returns. Information gets updated overnight, Monday through Friday.
The IRS issues refunds only on business days. However, some banks may post deposits on Saturdays if funds are received late on a Friday.
Incorrect names or Social Security Numbers can delay your refund. Double-check bank routing and account numbers used on tax forms. Incorrect account numbers can delay your refund. Complete each form and carry totals to the correct lines.
Looking for state refund status? The state will ask for the exact amount of your expected refund to help establish your identity. It could takes up to three weeks to process refunds for e-filed state returns, and up to four weeks for mailed returns.
Processing your refund usually takes: Up to 21 days for an e-filed return. 6 weeks or more for returns sent by mail. Longer if your return needs corrections or extra review.
What causes an IRS refund delay?
"Being processed", means the IRS must first process your return and then approve your refund. Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days after they receive your tax return, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.
– Receiving a paper refund check in the mail may take longer than choosing direct deposit. 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.
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.
The IRS only updates your refund status information once per week on Wednesdays. If you e-file your tax return, wait at least 72 hours from the date the IRS confirms receipt of your return before checking your refund status, and at least three weeks if you mail the return instead.
Acceptance simply confirms that the return passed the IRS's initial checks, but it does not mean the return has been fully reviewed or that a refund has been approved. Understanding how the IRS moves from acceptance to approval can make the waiting period feel a bit clearer and more predictable.
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.
You might receive your federal refund first, or you might receive your state refund first. Since both agencies use different security protocols and have different staffing levels, there is no way to predict which check will clear first. To get your money as quickly as possible, always: E-File (Electronic Filing).
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.
Why is my refund taking longer to process? In some cases, the department may contact you via letter requesting more information in order to pro- cess your return. If you get a letter from the department, respond with the requested information so they can complete the review and send out 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.
There are many reasons why the IRS may be holding your refund. You have unfiled or missing tax returns for prior tax years. The check was held or returned due to a problem with the name or address. You elected to apply the refund toward your estimated tax liability for next year.