The IRS is processing returns slower than in past years, and the reason is staffing and complexity

The IRS processes millions of returns each year, and the time it takes to process yours depends on whether your return is straightforward, whether it contains errors, and how busy the IRS is at that moment. A straightforward return with no dependents, no business income, and no deductions beyond the standard deduction can process in as little as 21 days if you file electronically and request direct deposit. A return with complications—multiple income sources, self-employment income, education credits, or child tax credits—takes longer because an IRS employee has to review it manually.

The IRS has faced staffing shortages in recent years, which means fewer employees are available to handle the volume of returns. This is especially true during peak filing season, which runs from late January through mid-April. Returns filed in March and April face longer wait times than returns filed in January and February, straightforward because the queue is longer.

Key Takeaways

  • straightforward returns filed electronically with direct deposit can process in 21 days, but returns with credits, deductions, or multiple income sources take longer because they require manual review.
  • The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, so filing early in the tax season results in faster processing than filing in March or April.
  • Errors on your return—mismatched income, incorrect Social Security numbers, or missing information—will delay processing while the IRS contacts you to verify the details.
  • You can check the status of your return using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov, which updates once per day and shows whether the IRS has received your return and begun processing it.
  • If your return has been processing for longer than the IRS estimates, contact the IRS directly or visit a local Taxpayer information Center rather than calling the main line, which has long wait times.

How long the IRS says your return should take

The IRS publishes processing time estimates on its website. For the 2024 tax year, the IRS states that most returns filed electronically will be processed within 21 days. This is the target for straightforward returns with no errors and no missing information. Returns filed by mail take longer—the IRS estimates 4 to 6 weeks for mailed returns because the IRS has to open the envelope, scan the documents, and enter the information into its system.

These timelines assume your return contains no errors and no information that triggers additional review. If your return includes certain credits—the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, or education credits—the IRS is required by law to hold your return and not issue a refund until at least mid-February, even if your return is otherwise complete. This is a compliance measure, not a processing delay, but it does mean your refund will not arrive before that date.

Common reasons your return is delayed

The most common reason for delay is an error or mismatch on your return. If the income reported on your return does not match what your employer or bank reported to the IRS on a W-2 or 1099 form, the IRS will flag your return for review. This includes situations where you forgot to report income, reported the wrong amount, or listed an incorrect Social Security number. The IRS will contact you by mail asking you to verify the information, and processing stops until you respond.

Missing information also causes delays. If you claim a dependent but do not provide their Social Security number, or if you claim a credit but do not include the required documentation or form, the IRS will hold your return. Education credits, in particular, require specific forms (Form 8863 for the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit), and if the form is missing or incomplete, your return will not process until you provide it.

A third common cause is that your return is selected for examination. The IRS randomly selects a small percentage of returns for audit each year. If your return is selected, processing stops while the IRS reviews your records. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining what the IRS wants to examine and what documents you need to provide.

What happens if you file early versus late in the season

The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, with some exceptions. If you file your return in early February, it will likely be processed before a return filed in late March, assuming both returns are error-free. This is why filing early can result in a faster refund—you are straightforward earlier in the queue.

However, filing early does not may provide a fast refund if your return requires manual review. A complex return filed in January may take longer to process than a straightforward return filed in April, because the complexity, not the filing date, determines how long the IRS needs to review it. The advantage of filing early is that you avoid the peak season rush and reduce the chance that a delay will push your refund into a time when you need it urgently.

How to check the status of your return

The IRS provides a tool called Where's My Refund on its website at IRS.gov. You can enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the expected refund amount, and the tool will tell you whether the IRS has received your return and what stage of processing it is in. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in a single day will not show new information.

Where's My Refund shows three possible statuses: "Return Received," which means the IRS has received your return but has not yet begun processing it; "Refund Approved," which means the IRS has processed your return and approved your refund; and "Refund Sent," which means the IRS has issued your refund and it is on its way to you. If your return shows "Return Received" for longer than 21 days, or if the tool says your refund should have arrived but you have not received it, you may need to contact the IRS.

When to contact the IRS about a delayed return

If your return has been processing for longer than 21 days and Where's My Refund shows no progress, or if the tool says your refund was sent but you have not received it after the expected time, you have several options. The IRS main phone line (1-800-829-1040) has very long wait times during tax season, sometimes several hours. A faster option is to visit a local Taxpayer information Center, which you can find on IRS.gov by entering your ZIP code. These centers offer in-person help and typically have shorter wait times than the phone line.

When you contact the IRS, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the expected refund amount ready. The IRS representative can look up your return in the system and tell you exactly where it is in the processing queue and whether there are any issues holding it up. If your return is being examined, the representative can explain what documents the IRS needs from you and how to submit them.

What to do if your refund was supposed to arrive but did not

If Where's My Refund shows that your refund was sent but you have not received it after the expected time, the first step is to verify that the IRS sent it to the correct account. If you requested direct deposit, check that you entered your routing number and account number correctly on your return. A single digit entered wrong will send your refund to the wrong account, and you will not receive it.

If you are certain the account information was correct, contact your bank and ask whether the IRS deposit was received and rejected. Some banks reject deposits if the account has been closed or if there is a fraud hold on the account. If your bank rejected the deposit, the IRS will re-issue your refund by check, which takes an additional 4 to 6 weeks. You can also contact the IRS directly to request that your refund be reissued by check instead of direct deposit.

If you requested a check by mail and it has not arrived after the expected time, contact the IRS. Checks can be lost in the mail, and the IRS can issue a replacement check or direct deposit the amount to your account instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a refund if I file on April 15?

If you file on April 15 and your return is straightforward with no errors, the IRS estimates 21 days from the date it receives your return. However, returns filed in mid-April are processed after returns filed earlier in the season, so you may not see your refund until late May or early June. If your return requires manual review, it could take longer.

Will my refund be delayed if I claim the Earned Income Tax Credit?

Yes. The IRS is required by law to hold returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and not issue a refund until at least mid-February, regardless of when you file. This is a compliance measure to prevent fraud. If you file in January and claim this credit, your refund will not be issued before mid-February.

What does it mean if Where's My Refund says my return is still being received after 30 days?

This usually means your return has been flagged for additional review. The IRS may have found a mismatch between your return and information reported by your employer or bank, or you may be missing required documentation for a credit you claimed. Contact the IRS to find out what information is needed.

Can I speed up my refund by paying a tax preparation company?

No. The IRS processes all returns at the same pace regardless of who prepared them or how much you paid. Some tax preparation companies offer "rapid refund" loans, which are loans against your expected refund, but these are not refunds—they are loans you have to repay with interest.

What should I do if I filed my return but cannot find it in Where's My Refund?

If your return does not appear in Where's My Refund after 24 hours, verify that you entered your information correctly—Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount must match exactly. If the information is correct and your return still does not appear, contact the IRS to confirm they received it. If you filed by mail, it may take 2 to 3 weeks for the IRS to scan and enter your return into the system.