An ITR status remains "under processing" primarily due to data discrepancies (income/deduction mismatches), pending e-verification, or further scrutiny of high-value claims by the tax department. Other reasons include outstanding tax demands, errors in bank details, or, in the US, paper filing delays. While most returns are processed within 21–30 days, complex cases take longer.
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.
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.
Your tax return is taking long likely due to errors, incomplete info, identity theft/fraud concerns, claiming specific credits (like EITC), or offsetting old debts, with paper returns and IRS reviews adding more time. The IRS issues most refunds in under 21 days if filed electronically and error-free, but discrepancies or needed verification for credits like the Child Tax Credit (ACTC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) trigger holds.
If your return remains in the ``being processed'' status for more than 21 days, you may contact the IRS directly and ask for additional information. The IRS requests that you wait 21 days before contacting them but, you are past this waiting period. Select 4 ``for all other questions.''
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.
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.
What should I do? Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
The IRS Where's My Refund tool updates once daily, usually overnight, so checking more often isn't necessary; you'll see status changes as your return moves from "Refund Received" to "Refund Approved" and then "Refund Sent," with most e-filed refunds issued within 21 days, but it can take longer if there are errors or extra review needed.
You may call us toll-free at 800-829-1040, M - F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Individual returns
Electronically filed Form 1040 returns are generally processed within 21 days.
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.
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).
Step 1: Go to the e-Filing portal homepage. Step 2: Click Income Tax Return (ITR) Status. Step 3: On the Income Tax Return (ITR) Status page, enter your acknowledgement number and a valid mobile number and click Continue. Step 4: Enter the 6-digit OTP received on your mobile number entered in Step 3 and click Submit.
Things that can delay a refund:
The return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud. The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount.
If the return is filed and pending e-verification, the filing process is incomplete. Unless the filing is complete, the refund will not be processed. Therefore, it is advised to E-Verify the returns as soon as the returns are filed in order to speed up the process of refund.
Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 for clarification. If identity verification is required, complete it through the IRS ID.me system as soon as possible. After verification, expect a processing delay of 2-4 weeks before the refund is released.
First, e-verify your return as soon as it is filed, as unverified ITRs will not be processed. Next, confirm that your bank account is valid, active, and properly updated on the portal. Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is another essential step to avoid errors.
Contact the IRS if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed.
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.