IRS Refund Delays: When to Act and Who to Contact

If you’re still waiting for your IRS refund, time is running out. The final round of refunds is expected to be sent out this June. With many already receiving their payments, those still in limbo must act quickly to avoid missing out. Whether it’s due to identity verification or filing errors, understanding the delay—and what steps to take—can help ensure you get what you’re owed.

Use the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool Immediately

Your first move should be to check the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which is updated daily and provides real-time updates. To use it, you’ll need your:

• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount

If you filed electronically, you can check your status 24 hours after submission. If you mailed in your return, you may need to wait up to 4 weeks just to check the status, and processing could take up to 6 weeks.

Filing Method	Check Status After	Typical Refund Time
E-File	24 hours	21 days
Paper Mail	4 weeks	4–6 weeks (or longer)

Common Reasons for Refund Delays

Several factors can slow down the IRS refund process. Here’s what might be holding yours up:

• Identity verification required: If you received a 5071C or 4883C letter, you must verify your identity before the IRS will release your refund.
• Tax filing errors: Mistakes on your return—especially with credits or income—can flag your file for manual review.
• Paper-filed returns: These inherently take longer and are more prone to processing delays.
• Manual IRS review: Any discrepancies or unusual activity can prompt additional scrutiny.
• PATH Act delays: If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your refund might be held until mid-February or later.

In more complex situations, it could take up to 120 days for the IRS to complete processing.

When You Should Take Further Action

If it’s been more than 2 months since your return was accepted and you still haven’t received your refund—or if your refund status hasn’t changed—it’s time to escalate. Consider the following:

• Contact the IRS: Call them directly or access your online IRS account to track your refund and view messages or errors.
• Verify your identity: Follow the steps in the letter (if you received one) and verify online or in person.
• Check your IRS transcript: This will show if your return is being processed, held, or refunded.
• Reach out to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS): This is a free, independent organization that helps taxpayers resolve IRS issues when standard procedures fall short.

What Not to Do

Avoid re-filing your tax return unless specifically instructed by the IRS. Doing so may cause further delays or complications in your refund process.

You also shouldn’t wait until July or later if your return was filed before May and still hasn’t been processed. Proactive steps can prevent longer delays or lost refunds.

The IRS continues to deal with backlogs and complex return issues. If you’re one of the many still waiting, don’t assume your refund is lost—just make sure you’re using all the tools and support available to follow up effectively.

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