FAQ: IRS Tax Refund Delays in 2025

1. Why is my 2025 tax refund taking so long?

Most delays happen because the IRS is verifying income, checking credits like EITC/CTC, confirming identity, or manually reviewing your return. Even simple mistakes can slow everything down.

Why Your Tax Refund Is Delayed in 2025: Real Reasons, Common Mistakes, and What You Can Do

2. How long does it take to get a refund in 2025?

If there are no issues:

• E-file + direct deposit: 1–3 weeks

• Paper file: 6–12 weeks
  Delays extend this by several weeks.

3. Why is “Where’s My Refund?” not updating?

The IRS updates once per day. If your status hasn’t changed for days or weeks, your return may be in a manual review queue.

U.S. Tax Refund Guide 2025 – When to Expect Your Refund & How to Increase It

4. The IRS accepted my return. Why is my refund still delayed?

“Accepted” only means the IRS received it. Processing, verification, and approval still have to happen.

5. Why are EITC and CTC refunds delayed every year?

Federal law requires the IRS to hold these refunds until late February to prevent fraud. This rule applies to everyone.

6. What IRS letters cause refund delays?

If you received:

• 5071C – identity verification

• 4883C – identity review by phone

• 4464C – return under review

• 2645C – additional processing time
  Your refund will be paused until you respond.

7. Can filing too early cause a delay?

Yes. Employers often haven’t submitted W-2s and 1099s yet, so early returns get flagged for mismatches.

8. How do I know if my refund is under review?

You may see messages like:

• “We need more time to review your return.”

• “Your return is still being processed.”

• “Tax Topic 151” or “Tax Topic 152.”

These indicate delays.

9. How long does an IRS manual review take?

A manual review can take 6–12 weeks depending on the issue.

10. What happens if my bank rejects my refund?

The IRS will mail a paper check, which adds 2–4 additional weeks.

11. Can a tax preparer cause a refund delay?

Yes. Filing errors, wrong numbers, missing forms, or incorrect credits can trigger IRS reviews.

12. Why does the IRS need to verify my identity?

If something looks unusual — new address, new dependents, strange filing pattern — the IRS holds the refund until you verify.

13. Does claiming a new child delay refunds?

Often yes. The IRS must confirm no one else claimed the child and that the SSN matches.

14. Why is my transcript blank or not updating?

Your return may be:

• In processing

• In review

• In a verification stage
  Transcripts update weekly depending on your IRS cycle.

15. My refund was approved but not sent. Is that normal?

It can happen if:

• Your bank details need extra verification

• The IRS flagged the deposit

• There’s a system backlog

Usually the delay is short.

16. Does the IRS send refunds on weekends?

They process refunds daily, but banks usually only release deposits Monday–Friday.

17. Why does my refund amount not match what I filed?

The IRS may adjust:

• Child credits

• Recovery rebate

• Income calculations

• Withholding amounts

The IRS will send a letter explaining the change.

18. Can back taxes delay my refund?

Yes. Refunds can be taken for:

• Back taxes

• Child support

• Student loans (if the offset program is active)

• State income tax debts

You’ll get a notice if this happens.

19. Should I call the IRS about a delay?

Call if:

• 21+ days have passed since e-filing

• 6+ weeks have passed since mailing

• You received a verification or review letter

20. Will amended returns delay my refund?

Yes. Amended returns take 12–20 weeks, and sometimes longer.

21. Does using different bank accounts cause a delay?

Switching accounts or using prepaid cards can cause fraud filters to trigger.

22. Why did the IRS say my return was “selected for review”?

It doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. It usually means the IRS needs to confirm:

• Income

• Credits

• W-2 accuracy

• SSN info

• Filing status

23. Does choosing a paper check slow things down?

Yes. Paper checks add 1–4 extra weeks, depending on USPS workload.

24. Can tax software mistakes delay refunds?

Yes. Wrong numbers or incomplete info — even from autofill — can trigger reviews.

25. What can I do to avoid delays next year?

• File electronically

• Avoid filing extremely early

• Use correct SSNs

• Double-check bank account numbers

• Wait for all W-2s and 1099s

• Don’t guess income or deductions

Small mistakes create the biggest delays.