Your IRS return is taking long because of errors, incomplete info, identity theft, claiming credits like EITC/ACTC (which delays till mid-Feb), claiming old recovery rebates, or your return needing manual review for fraud/mismatches, or simply high processing volumes or mailing it instead of e-filing; use the "Where's My Refund" tool for updates.
IRS return rejections often result from mismatched personal data or incomplete forms. Review the IRS rejection code or message carefully to identify the issue. Common problems include incorrect Social Security numbers, filing status errors, or missing signatures.
Individual returns
Electronically filed Form 1040 returns are generally processed within 21 days. We're currently processing paper returns received during the months below.
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 2025 federal government shutdown
The IRS also announced that most agency operations are now closed due to the “lapse in appropriations.” While this situation is temporary, it means certain taxpayer services, correspondence, and processing times may be delayed until funding is restored.
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.
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.
If your federal refund is late, follow these steps:
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.
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.
Some tax returns need extra review for accuracy, completeness, and to protect taxpayers from fraud and identity theft. Returns that fall into this category can take longer to process.
Do IRS refunds ever get deposited on weekends? The IRS issues refunds only on business days. However, some banks may post deposits on Saturdays if funds are received late on a Friday.
Expect the IRS to acknowledge your return within 24 to 48 hours. IRS Refund Timetable: Post-acceptance, the processing time typically unfolds on an IRS-determined schedule. Speedy Refund Delivery: The majority of refunds are dispatched within 21 days of e-file acceptance.
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.
You may call us toll-free at 800-829-1040, M - F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Your income tax refund may get delayed if you miss the December 31, 2025 deadline for filing a revised Income Tax Return (ITR) for Assessment Year 2025-26 (Financial Year 2024-25), specially when your filed return had errors or missing details that led to an incorrect refund claim or data mismatch.
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.
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.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
Errors on or Incomplete Tax Returns: Your refund may be delayed for something as simple as a forgotten signature, mathematical errors or if the income reported by you doesn't match what your employer or other third-party payers have reported.
It doesn't mean you've done anything wrong, or that you won't get your refund. It's just an indication that your return is still being processed and has yet to be accepted or rejected.
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.