Common reasons your refund is delayed
A tax refund that hasn't arrived usually sits in one of three places: the IRS is still processing it, your bank is holding it, or there's a problem with the account information you provided. The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receipt, but that clock starts when they actually receive your return—not when you file it. If you filed by mail, add 5 to 10 days for delivery. If you filed electronically, processing begins immediately.
The most common delays happen because of math errors on the return, missing information, or a mismatch between the name and account number you gave the IRS and what your bank has on file. The IRS catches these during processing and has to stop and contact you or your tax preparer. A return flagged for review can take 60 days or longer.
Your bank can also delay a deposit even after the IRS sends it. Some banks hold large deposits for a day or two. If your account is new, overdrawn, or flagged for fraud, the bank may hold the money longer or reject it entirely and send it back to the IRS.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receipt, but mail delivery and electronic filing both affect when that clock starts.
- Check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool with your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
- If the IRS tool shows your refund was sent but your bank never received it, contact your bank immediately—the deposit may have been rejected or is being held.
- Math errors, missing information, or a mismatch between your name and bank account details can stop processing for 60 days or more while the IRS investigates.
- If your refund was sent to the wrong account because you provided incorrect routing or account numbers, you will need to contact the IRS directly to request a trace.
How to check your refund status right now
The IRS provides a tool called Where's My Refund at irs.gov. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in the same day will not show new information.
The tool will show one of three statuses. "Received" means the IRS has your return but has not finished processing it yet. "Approved" means the IRS has processed your return and approved the refund—it is now in the queue to be sent to your bank. "Sent" means the IRS has transmitted the refund to your bank. If it shows "Sent" but the money has not arrived, your bank is the next place to investigate.
If you filed through a tax preparer or software company, they may also have a tracking tool. TurboTax, H&R Block, and other major providers let you check status through your account. These tools often pull data from the IRS system, so they show the same information as Where's My Refund, but some update more frequently.
What to do if the IRS tool shows "Sent" but you haven't received the money
Contact your bank first. Tell them you are expecting a tax refund deposit and ask whether it has arrived or been rejected. Provide the exact amount and the date you expected it. Banks can see rejected deposits and can tell you why—common reasons include a closed account, a name mismatch, or a fraud hold.
If your bank confirms the deposit was rejected, ask them for the rejection code. Write this down. Then contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the main tax line) and tell them your refund was rejected. You will need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. The IRS can request a trace to find out where the deposit went and can reissue the refund by check or direct deposit to a corrected account.
If your bank says the deposit has not arrived yet, ask them how long they typically hold large deposits. Some banks hold tax refunds for one to three business days. If it has been more than three business days since the IRS tool showed "Sent," ask your bank to investigate on their end. They can contact the Federal Reserve to trace the deposit.
Problems that stop processing and cause long delays
The IRS will pause processing if your return has math errors, missing information, or inconsistencies. Common triggers include a mismatch between your name on the return and your Social Security card, a dependent claimed twice, income reported on your return that does not match what employers or banks reported to the IRS, or a missing signature.
When the IRS finds a problem, they send a notice by mail to the address on your return. This notice explains what they found and what you need to do. You have 30 days to respond. If you do not respond, the IRS will process the return as filed, which may mean a smaller refund or no refund at all. Processing resumes after they receive your response, and it typically takes another 4 to 6 weeks.
You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if you think there is a problem but have not received a notice yet. Have your return in front of you and be ready to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. The IRS can tell you whether your return is flagged and what the issue is.
Incorrect bank account or routing number
If you provided the wrong routing number or account number on your return, the IRS will send the refund to that account. If the account does not exist or belongs to someone else, the bank will reject the deposit and send it back to the IRS. This process takes 10 to 15 business days. Once the IRS receives the rejection, they will hold the refund and wait for you to contact them.
You cannot correct your bank information through Where's My Refund. You must contact the IRS directly. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain that you provided incorrect account or routing information. The IRS will ask you to verify your identity and will then issue a new refund by check or to a corrected account. Requesting a check is often faster than waiting for a corrected direct deposit to process.
To avoid this in the future, double-check your routing and account numbers before you file. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and branch. Your account number is on the bottom left of your checks. The IRS website has a tool to verify routing numbers if you are unsure.
How long to wait before taking action
If you filed electronically, wait at least 21 days before contacting anyone. If you filed by mail, wait at least 30 days. These timelines assume the IRS received your return on the date you filed or mailed it. If you mailed your return, add 5 to 10 days for postal delivery before starting your count.
After the waiting period, check Where's My Refund. If it shows "Sent" and your bank has not received the money, contact your bank. If Where's My Refund shows "Received" or "Approved" but you are past day 21 (or day 30 for mail), contact the IRS. If you have not received a notice about a problem and Where's My Refund shows no status at all, wait another week and check again—some returns take longer to enter the system.
If you are past 60 days and Where's My Refund shows no progress, the IRS has likely flagged your return for review. Call 1-800-829-1040 to find out what they need from you.
Refunds sent to the wrong person or account
If someone else received your refund—because a spouse's name was on the account, a tax preparer deposited it to their own account, or fraud occurred—you will need to file a complaint and request a trace. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain what happened. If a tax preparer deposited your refund to their account without your permission, also file a complaint with your state's tax preparer licensing board.
The IRS can issue a replacement refund once they confirm the original was sent to the wrong place. This process takes 60 to 90 days. If you suspect fraud, also contact your bank and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days after the IRS says "Sent" should I wait before calling my bank?
Wait three business days. The IRS sends refunds in batches, and banks process deposits overnight. If it has been three business days and your bank has not received the deposit, contact them immediately. They can trace the deposit or confirm it was rejected.
What if I filed my taxes but the IRS website says they have no record of my return?
If you filed electronically, wait five to seven days—the return may not have entered the system yet. If you filed by mail, wait 10 to 15 days. If the IRS still shows no record after that, contact them at 1-800-829-1040 with your filing date and method. They can search for your return manually.
Can I change my bank account information after I file?
No. You cannot update your bank details through Where's My Refund or online. If you need to change your account, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 before your refund is sent. If it is already sent, you will have to wait for it to be rejected and then request a corrected deposit or a check.
Will my refund be taxed or garnished if I owe money to the government?
Yes. If you owe federal income taxes, student loans in default, child support, or certain other debts, the IRS can offset your refund to pay those debts. The IRS will send you a notice explaining the offset. You can dispute it by contacting the IRS or the agency that holds the debt.
What if my refund was supposed to arrive weeks ago and Where's My Refund still shows no status?
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Your return may be stuck in manual review, lost in the mail, or flagged for identity verification. The IRS can look up your account and tell you exactly where your return is and what is holding it up.