The IRS Refund Delay: What Every Taxpayer Needs to Know

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Key Takeaways

• 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.
• The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool is the best way to track your refund status.
• Only contact the IRS if your refund is delayed beyond 21 days (e-file) or six weeks (paper file) or if the IRS specifically instructs you to do so.

Why Are IRS Refunds Delayed in 2025?

Each year, millions of Americans eagerly await their tax refunds, often planning major purchases or bill payments around their arrival. While the IRS strives to issue most refunds within 21 days of receiving an electronically filed return, 2025 has seen a noticeable uptick in refund delays. Understanding the reasons behind these delays can help taxpayers set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary stress.

Several factors contribute to the 2025 tax refund delay. The IRS continues to process a high volume of returns, and increased scrutiny on certain credits and deductions has led to more thorough reviews. Additionally, ongoing efforts to combat identity theft and tax fraud require additional verification steps, which can slow down processing for some returns. Legislative changes and updates to IRS systems may also play a role as the agency adapts to new tax laws and implements technology upgrades to improve accuracy and security.

Common Reasons for Refund Processing Hold-Ups

While most taxpayers receive their refunds promptly, there are several common reasons why your refund might be delayed in 2025. To help clarify the source of these issues, we’ve separated them into two categories: delays the IRS directly controls, and those that fall outside the agency’s responsibility.

Delays Within the IRS’s Control

1. Errors or Incomplete Information on Your Return Mistakes such as incorrect Social Security numbers, mismatched names, or missing information can trigger manual reviews. Even a simple typo can cause the IRS to pause processing until the issue is resolved.

2. Claims for Certain Credits Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are subject to additional review by law. The IRS cannot issue refunds for these returns before mid-February, and processing may take longer if further verification is needed.

3. Identity Verification and Fraud Prevention: If the IRS suspects identity theft or fraud, they may place a hold on your refund and request additional documentation to verify your identity. This is a critical step in protecting taxpayers but can result in significant delays.

4. Amended Returns or Corrections: If you file an amended return or the IRS needs to correct errors related to credits or deductions, your refund may be delayed while the changes are processed.

5. Outstanding Debts or Offsets: If you owe back taxes, child support, or other federal or state debts, your refund may be reduced or delayed as the IRS applies your refund to these obligations.

6. You’re Under Audit from a Previous Year: An ongoing IRS audit of a prior year can cause tax refund delays in 2025, especially if credits like the EITC or ACTC are under review. In such cases, you may receive IRS Letter CP88 stating your refund is on hold until the audit is resolved.

Delays Outside the IRS’s Control

7. Bank Processing Times: Even after the IRS issues your refund, your bank may take additional time to post the funds to your account, especially if you filed close to a weekend or holiday.

8. Paper Returns: Paper returns take longer to process than electronic returns. In 2025, it can take up to four weeks for the IRS to even acknowledge receipt of a paper return, compared to 24 hours for e-filed returns.

How to Check the Status of Your Refund

The IRS provides several tools to help taxpayers track their refunds. The most reliable and up-to-date resource is the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, available on IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go mobile app. Here’s how to use it:

1. Gather Your Information: You’ll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return.
2. Check the Tool: You can check your refund status within 24 hours of e-filing or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
3. Understand the Updates: The tool is updated once daily, usually overnight. It will show one of three statuses: Return Received, Refund Approved, or Refund Sent.
4. Be Patient: There’s no need to check multiple times a day, as the information only updates once every 24 hours. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool also provides information for the past three tax years, making it easy to track refunds from previous filings.

What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Refund

If your refund is delayed beyond the typical 21 days for e-filed returns or six weeks for paper returns, here are steps you can take:

• Check “Where’s My Refund?” This should always be your first step. The tool will indicate if there are issues or if the IRS needs more information.
• Review Your Return: Double-check your tax return for errors or missing information that could have caused a delay.
• Look for IRS Notices: The IRS will contact you by mail if they need additional information or if your refund is being offset to pay debts.
• Consider Your Filing Method: If you filed a paper return, remember that processing takes longer. If you filed electronically but requested a paper check, delivery may also be slower.
• Check with Your Bank: Sometimes, the delay is on the bank’s end, especially if you recently changed accounts or provided incorrect routing information.

If the “Where’s My Refund?” tool instructs you to contact the IRS, or if it’s been more than 21 days (e-file) or six weeks (paper file) without an update, you may need to reach out directly.

When to Contact the IRS About a Delayed Refund

The IRS recommends contacting them only in specific situations to avoid overwhelming their phone lines and to ensure you get the most accurate information:

• 21 days or more have passed since you e-filed your return.
• Six weeks or more have passed since you mailed a paper return.
• The “Where’s My Refund?” tool tells you to contact the IRS.
• You receive a notice from the IRS requesting additional information.

When you call, have your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount ready. Be prepared for long wait times during peak tax season.

FAQ

How long will the IRS take to issue refunds in 2025?

Most refunds are issued in less than 21 calendar days for electronically filed returns with direct deposit. Paper returns take longer, with status updates available after about four weeks. However, certain returns may experience additional delays due to errors, identity verification, or claims for specific credits.

What are the top reasons for refund delays this year?

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. To check your status or if your IRS refund is late, visit the IRS gov refunds page.

Conclusion

While the majority of taxpayers will receive their refunds quickly, understanding the causes of IRS refund delays can help you avoid common pitfalls and set realistic expectations. Filing electronically, double-checking your return for accuracy, and using direct deposit remain the best ways to ensure a speedy refund. For the latest updates, always rely on the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool and the IRS.gov refunds page. If you experience a tax rebate delay or your IRS refund is late, follow the steps above to resolve the issue efficiently. If you have questions about your specific situation or need help with tax planning, Bennett Thrasher is here to assist you throughout the 2025 tax season.

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