What's causing delays in 2024 and 2025
The IRS is processing returns slower than in previous years, and the main reasons are staffing shortages, increased fraud detection, and a surge in returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The IRS has fewer employees than it did a decade ago despite handling more returns, and every return flagged for review—whether for math errors, missing documents, or suspected fraud—sits in a queue that moves slower than it used to.
The IRS publishes a weekly report on how many returns it has processed and how many are still pending. As of late 2024, the agency was running weeks behind its historical average for this time of year. Returns filed electronically with direct deposit are still the fastest route, but even those are taking longer than the 21-day standard the IRS once promised.
If your return has been flagged for any reason—a missing W-2, a discrepancy between what you reported and what your employer reported, or a claim that triggered fraud filters—expect delays of six weeks to several months. The IRS does not contact you first to ask for missing information; it processes your return as filed, and if something does not match, you wait for a notice in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS is processing returns slower than historical averages because of staffing cuts and increased fraud screening, not because of a policy change.
- Returns filed electronically with direct deposit arrive faster than paper returns or those requesting a check, but all routes are slower than previous years.
- If your return is flagged for review—because of missing documents, math errors, or fraud detection—expect six weeks to several months of additional delay.
- You can check the status of your return using the IRS Where's My Refund tool, which updates every 24 hours and shows whether the IRS is holding your return for review.
- The IRS does not contact you first to ask for missing information; you receive a notice by mail if documents are needed, so check your mailbox regularly.
How to check your refund status right now
The IRS Where's My Refund tool is the only official way to see where your return stands. Go to irs.gov, find the tool under "Refunds," and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in one day will not show new information.
The tool will tell you one of three things: your return is still being processed, your return is being reviewed, or your refund has been approved and a payment date has been set. If it says your return is being reviewed, that means the IRS has flagged it for further examination and you will receive a notice by mail explaining what is needed. Do not call the IRS asking what the review is about—the notice will tell you.
If you filed by paper, the tool may not show your return for several weeks after you mailed it, because the IRS has to scan and enter the data first. Paper returns are taking 4 to 6 weeks just to enter into the system, and then processing begins.
Why some returns get held for review
The IRS automatically screens every return for certain patterns. If you claim the EITC, the Child Tax Credit, or the Additional Child Tax Credit, your return goes into a longer review queue by default—these credits are high-fraud targets, and the IRS reviews them more carefully. If you report self-employment income, losses, or business deductions, your return may be reviewed. If the IRS's computers detect a mismatch between what you reported and what your employer, bank, or investment firm reported to the IRS, your return is flagged.
You do not have to do anything to trigger a review—it happens automatically. The IRS will mail you a notice if documents are needed. Common requests include a copy of your W-2, proof of child care expenses, documentation of charitable donations, or proof of business income. The notice will list exactly what to send and where to send it.
Fraud detection has also tightened. If you claim a refund larger than your income, if your return matches patterns the IRS associates with identity theft, or if you claim credits in a way that seems inconsistent with your filing history, the IRS may hold your return while it verifies your identity. This can add weeks or months to processing time.
Timeline: when to expect your refund
The timeline depends on how you filed and whether your return is flagged for review. Here is what the data shows:
| Filing Method | Normal Processing | If Flagged for Review |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic, direct deposit | 3 to 5 weeks | 6 weeks to 4 months |
| Electronic, check by mail | 4 to 6 weeks | 6 weeks to 4 months |
| Paper return, direct deposit | 6 to 8 weeks | 8 weeks to 6 months |
| Paper return, check by mail | 8 to 12 weeks | 8 weeks to 6 months |
These timelines are measured from the date the IRS receives your return, not from the date you file. If you file electronically, the IRS receives it within hours. If you mail a paper return, add 1 to 2 weeks for postal delivery and another 2 to 4 weeks for the IRS to scan it into the system before processing begins.
If your return is flagged for review, the timeline depends on how quickly you respond to the IRS notice. If the notice asks for documents and you send them back within 30 days, processing usually resumes within 2 to 4 weeks. If you do not respond, the IRS will eventually process your return without the documents, which may result in a smaller refund or a bill.
What to do if your refund is taking longer than expected
First, check Where's My Refund to confirm the IRS has your return and is processing it. If the tool shows no information about your return and you filed more than 2 weeks ago (or 4 weeks if you mailed it), your return may not have been received or entered into the system yet. If you filed electronically, contact the tax software company you used to confirm it was transmitted. If you mailed a paper return, wait another week or two before taking action.
If Where's My Refund shows your return is being reviewed, check your mailbox for an IRS notice. The IRS mails notices, not emails. If you have not received a notice within 4 weeks of seeing the "being reviewed" status, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. Wait times are long—call early in the morning or late in the week if possible.
If you need the money urgently and your refund is delayed, you have limited options. You cannot force the IRS to process faster. Some tax preparation companies offer refund advance loans, but these charge fees and interest. If you are facing a hardship—eviction, utility shutoff, medical emergency—contact a local nonprofit or government agency that handles emergency assistance; they may have funds available while you wait for your refund.
Differences between federal and state refund delays
State tax refunds operate on separate timelines and are processed by your state's tax agency, not the IRS. Some states process refunds faster than the federal government; others are slower. If you filed both federal and state returns, they may arrive weeks apart.
Most states publish their own refund status tools on their tax agency websites. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find it. State refunds are also subject to review and delay if the state finds discrepancies or suspects fraud. Some states hold refunds to offset unpaid child support, student loans, or other debts owed to the state.
If you are waiting for both a federal and state refund, track them separately using each agency's tool. Do not assume one is lost just because the other has arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my refund faster if I call the IRS?
No. Calling the IRS does not speed up processing. The IRS processes returns in the order they are received and flagged. If your return is under review, calling will not move it to the front of the queue. The only reason to call is if you have not received an expected notice or if Where's My Refund shows no information about your return after 4 weeks.
What if I need my refund before it arrives?
Some tax preparation companies offer refund advance loans, but these charge fees (typically $50 to $200) and interest. If you are facing a hardship, contact your local 211 service or a nonprofit that handles emergency assistance. Some programs can help with immediate needs while you wait for your refund.
Why did the IRS reject my return?
The IRS does not reject returns outright. If something is wrong, the IRS processes your return as filed and then mails you a notice if corrections are needed. If you made a math error or claimed a credit incorrectly, the IRS will adjust it and send you a revised refund amount. Check your mailbox for the notice.
Is my refund delayed because of identity theft?
If the IRS suspects identity theft, Where's My Refund will show your return is being reviewed, and you will receive a notice by mail asking you to verify your identity. This usually involves answering security questions or providing a copy of your ID. Respond to the notice promptly to move the process forward.
Can I amend my return to speed up processing?
No. Filing an amended return (Form 1040-X) will not speed up your original return. In fact, it will delay things because the IRS will process both returns separately. Only amend if you made an error that affects your refund amount or tax liability.