Identity verification delays tax refunds as a necessary security measure to combat fraud, pausing the processing of a return to ensure the actual taxpayer, not a thief, receives the funds. The IRS suspends refunds when automated systems detect potential identity theft, such as inconsistent, unusual data, or a return filed from an unfamiliar location.
Wait 2-3 weeks after you use this service to check your refund. It may take up to 9 weeks to process your return after you verify it.
If you have the ``Still being processed'' message. This is a generic message that simply means that the IRS cannot guarantee you a tax refund within the original 21-day time frame. The computer system felt something on your return most likely needed a second look.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
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.
What causes an IRS refund delay?
Your refund is taking so long likely due to errors or incomplete info on your return, suspected identity theft/fraud, claiming certain tax credits (like EITC/ACTC), filing a paper return, or outstanding debts/audits, with electronic filing and direct deposit usually being the fastest, while mail or complex returns take longer for the IRS to process.
Once we verify your identity and confirm you submitted the tax return, we'll continue processing your return. It may take up to 9 weeks to process.
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.
The IRS $600 rule refers to a change in reporting requirements for third-party payment apps (like Venmo, PayPal) for taxable income from goods and services, where platforms must send a Form 1099-K if you receive over $600 in a year, intended to capture gig economy/side hustle income, though delays and phased implementation have adjusted the timeline, with current rules for 2024 using a higher threshold ($5,000) before fully phasing to $600 for future years, but remember all taxable income, regardless of form, must always be reported.
Income tax refund delays in 2025 (for the 2024 tax year) happen due to errors, fraud protection, claiming specific credits like EITC/ACTC (held until mid-Feb by law), missing info, or general IRS review, with increased scrutiny on identity theft and income mismatches leading to longer processing times. Common culprits include wrong SSNs, math errors, incomplete forms, and discrepancies with income reported by employers.
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.
However, after waiting for a considerable period, if the taxpayer does not receive any intimation notice and their ITR remains not processed by the Income Tax Department, then the taxpayer could raise the grievance for ITR not processed.
Correct! The return will not start processing until after you verify your identity so that's why it shows it is now being processed. You have to allow up to 9 weeks.
Identity verification can range from instant to several business days, depending on the method; automated processes often take 5-15 minutes, while manual reviews or complex cases (like IRS or immigration) can take hours, days, or even weeks, with some governmental steps requiring 2-3 weeks post-verification for processing.
The IRS issues refunds only on business days. However, some banks may post deposits on Saturdays if funds are received late on a Friday.
Wait for IRS processing
Refunds may still take up to 9 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case.
Code 570 is temporary, not a denial. Most people receive their full refund without needing to contact the IRS. Once the review is complete, your refund will be released, unless the IRS identifies an error that requires adjustment.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.
The CP05 notice doesn't say this in plain language, so people often don't know what is going on. They just know that the IRS said it would be 60 days, but usually, it has been much longer with no answer from the IRS about what the problem is or why the IRS isn't giving the person their refund.
The IRS works with ID.me to verify identities and help taxpayers and tax professionals securely access IRS online tools. This article shows you how to sign in, create an account, verify your identity, and fix common issues.
While Tax Topic 152 can indicate possible delays, it does not mean there is a problem with your tax return. Several factors can influence the processing time, including the need for additional review, discrepancies in the information provided, or high volumes of returns being processed.
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.
The IRS doesn't have a strict maximum time limit for issuing refunds, but generally processes e-filed returns with direct deposit within 21 days, while paper returns take 6 weeks or more, with longer waits for those claiming certain credits (EITC/ACTC) or if errors occur. If the IRS holds your refund for more than 45 days past the tax deadline (or filing date if late), they owe you interest, but significant delays (months) can happen for complex issues or extra reviews, sometimes requiring a mailed notice.