Canadian tax returns (CRA) usually take 2 weeks (online) to 8 weeks (paper) to process. Delays often occur due to manual reviews, missing information/errors (e.g., SIN, names), or, if you owe other government debts. Check the CRA’s "My Account" portal for specific status updates, as high-volume periods or complex filings may extend timelines.
Errors, missing documents, or incomplete information are common reasons tax returns get delayed. Double-check everything before you submit. The CRA may hold your refund if you have outstanding debts, if your return is selected for manual review, or if you're not up-to-date on previous tax filings.
When to expect your tax refund: Ten to twelve weeks for a paper return – CRA does not even begin to process returns until almost the end of February. So do not call before mid-March, even if you filed your return in January.
It's normal for federal refunds to take longer, especially if you filed jointly for the first time. The IRS may be reviewing your return if there's a name change, a mismatch in Social Security numbers, or anything new from previous years.
Those who file online will get their return faster than those who file by mail. Usually, it takes two weeks to receive a refund that was filed online and 8 weeks for one that was filed via mail.
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.
Sign in to your CRA account to check for correspondence from the CRA regarding the status of your tax return or refund. You can also check for your Notice of Assessment in your account. For specific questions about your refund, contact the CRA or Revenu Québec directly.
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.
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 your federal refund is late, follow these steps:
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.
In Canada, a $2,000 tax credit often refers to the Pension Income Amount (Line 31400) for seniors receiving eligible pension/annuity income, creating a $300 federal credit (15% of $2,000), or a provincial Training Tax Credit for Apprentices, like British Columbia's $2,000 for completing specific training levels, while other benefits like the GST/HST Credit or Disability Benefit offer amounts varying based on income and family situation, not a fixed $2,000 for everyone.
You or your representative can sign in to your online account to confirm CRA account payments and balances. Before checking to see if the CRA has received a payment you sent, allow: 3 business days for online payments. 10 business days (plus mailing time) for payments by cheque or money order.
What causes an IRS refund delay?
The nice thing about tax refunds in Canada is that there is no maximum amount you can receive. Tax refunds are individual and are based on how much you've paid in total in taxes and how much you actually owe. When you file your annual tax return in 2024, there are tax credits and deductions you can claim.
You can check on refund status by phone: 1-800-338-0505 or +1 (916) 845-6500 (outside the U.S.) Weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can check on refund status by chat. Sign into MyFTB to chat weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The refund normally takes up to two weeks to receive if you e-filed and up to four weeks for paper return.
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. They do not have to provide a reason.
File Early to Get Your Refund as Fast as Possible
The earlier you file, the faster you'll get your refund. Plus, it can reduce your risk of falling victim to a tax scam. Sometimes scammers steal personal information to file a fraudulent return and pocket the money.
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.
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.
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.
Who is eligible for this tax credit? To be eligible for the $7,500 Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit in Canada, you usually need to meet the following criteria: You must be a homeowner in Canada. The resident of the renovated unit must be a family member who is a senior or an adult with a disability.
How long after a notice of assessment will you get a refund? If you file taxes online, you should receive the notice of assessment (NOA) and the tax refund within two weeks from the date of filing, or within eight weeks if you file by mail. If you are living outside Canada, your tax refund can take up to sixteen weeks.
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.