As tax season comes to a close for 2025, you’re not alone if you still haven’t received your tax refund. Although many have received their funds, some are stuck repeatedly checking their bank accounts and wondering why the delay. If this sounds like something you can relate to, here are the major reasons your refund is held up — and what you can do about it.
Electronic vs. Paper filing makes a big difference
First things first: how did you file your return? If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, the IRS will usually issue your refund within 21 business days. That’s the fastest way to get it done. Paper returns, naturally, take longer because there is manual processing. The IRS is still catching up on a pile of returns and gets especially swamped after the mid-April deadline.
Missing information and mistakes can result in delays
Even simple mistakes on your return can cause drastic delays. Maybe you gave your Social Security number incorrectly, misreported income, or omitted an essential form. In cases like these, the IRS will need to scrutinize further or request more information, and that brings everything to a standstill. If you filed for an extension, remember that your refund will not be issued until after you file.
Use IRS tools to track your refund
If you’re not sure, the IRS offers online tools to enable you to track your refund. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool on irs.gov enables you to track the status of your refund using your Social Security number (or ITIN), your filing status, and your estimated refund amount. There’s also the IRS2Go app, which offers the same tracking from your phone.
These tools will tell you when your return is received, when it’s processed, and when your refund is sent out. It’s the fastest way of getting real-time information without having to call the IRS.
Other reasons your refund may be late
Even if everything on your return is accurate, there are still other reasons for a delay. For example:
- Your return may have been flagged for identity verification.
- The IRS may be checking for fraudulent activity.
- You may owe past taxes, child support, or student loan debt, which could reduce your refund.
If you’ve waited longer than 21 days and haven’t seen any updates, it might be time to contact the IRS directly or speak with a tax professional who can help you find answers.
Stay organized and be patient
The best means to avoid refund issues is to keep clean records and double-check everything before filing. Mistakes lead to holdups, but precision speeds up processes. Even if your refund is delayed, with the correct tools and information, you can pace yourself with the issue.
The IRS is working as fast as it can to send out refunds as quickly as possible, but proactive action on your part can make a huge difference in receiving your money more quickly.
