Tax refunds in 2026 are primarily delayed due to enhanced fraud prevention screenings, potential government shutdown impacts on IRS staffing, and mandatory holds on returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Other factors include filing errors, paper returns, or mismatches in income reporting.
Most IRS refunds are issued within 21 days of e-filing, but some taxpayers will experience delays in 2025. Common causes for refund delays include errors on returns, identity verification, and claims for certain credits. The fastest way to receive your refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit.
One of the most common reasons why your ITR refund may be delayed is because taxpayers often forget to verify their ITRs after filing it. Filing the ITR is only the first step, taxpayers need to verify their ITR through Aadhaar OTP, net banking, EVC, or by sending a signed ITR-V to CPC Bengaluru.
Sometimes the delay stems from something simple. Perhaps there's a mistake on your return or missing information that requires clarification. First-time claimants often wait longer too, as HMRC applies additional verification steps to new applicants.
You may call us toll-free at 800-829-1040, M - F, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
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 the IRS is reviewing your return, it may have questions about your wages and withholding, or credits or expenses shown on your tax return. The review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing.
Errors in your tax return calculations can cause delays as the IRS may need to correct them. A mismatch between your Social Security Number and the records can significantly delay your refund. Filing your tax return too early or too late can lead to delays due to IRS system updates or high processing volumes.
If you're still waiting on your refund check, a good place to start is checking your IRS refund status online. The IRS aims to provide refunds quickly, but don't rely on getting it by a certain date. If you filed with H&R Block, you can check your IRS refund tracker status with our ”Where's my refund?” tool.
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.
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.
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.
How can you avoid an IRS tax refund delay?
Contact the IRS if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed.
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.
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.
The IRS phone number is 800-829-1040. It might be easiest to set up an account with them.
The IRS uses a combination of automated and human processes to select which tax returns to audit. Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit.
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.
Most refunds issued in less than 21 days: EITC refunds for many available by March 3.
The IRS has no maximum time limit when it comes to processing tax refunds, but after 45 days, it is required to pay interest on your refund. In most cases, you can expect the IRS to issue your tax refund within 21 days of filing your tax return.
“Under Section 244A, the department pays simple interest at 0.5% per month (6% per annum) on delayed refunds.” says Neeraj Agarwala, Partner, Nangia & Co LLP.
The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days of e-filing, but paper-filed returns can take 6 to 8 weeks.