A&W Tax Services

Where's My Refund? How Long IRS Refunds Take and Why They're Delayed

Most refunds arrive within three weeks, but some take much longer. Here's how to check yours, what each status means, and the most common reasons a refund is held up.

By the Enrolled Agents and CPAs at A&W Tax Services · Updated

How long a refund usually takes

  • E-filed with direct deposit — most refunds are issued within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return
  • Paper returns — six weeks or more, and longer during busy periods
  • Amended returns (Form 1040-X) — often 16 weeks or more; track them with Where's My Amended Return

The IRS is phasing out paper refund checks, so include your bank routing and account number on your return to avoid delays.

How to track your refund

Use Where's My Refund on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app. You'll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status and the exact refund amount from your return. You can start checking about 24 hours after your e-filed return is accepted, or about four weeks after mailing a paper return. The tool updates once a day, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more often.

The status moves through three steps: Return Received, Refund Approved and Refund Sent. Once it's sent, a direct deposit can take a few days to show up in your account.

Claiming the earned income or child tax credit?

By law, the IRS can't issue refunds that include the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit before mid-February, even if you file in January. This gives the IRS time to check for fraud. Most of these refunds arrive by early March when filed electronically with direct deposit and there are no other problems.

Common reasons for a delay

  • A math error or missing information on the return
  • The IRS needs to verify your identity — usually by sending Letter 5071C, 4883C or 5747C
  • Income on your return doesn't match the W-2s and 1099s the IRS received
  • Part or all of the refund was used to pay past-due child support, federal debts, state taxes or prior-year IRS balances — you'll get a letter explaining the offset
  • The return was filed on paper or claims a credit that needs more review

When to call or get help

Calling the IRS won't speed things up unless it has been more than 21 days since your e-filed return was accepted, more than six weeks since you mailed a paper return, or Where's My Refund tells you to contact the IRS. If you've received a letter, respond by the date on it — a refund stays frozen until the IRS hears back. An Enrolled Agent can pull your IRS transcripts to see exactly where your return is stuck and handle the follow-up for you.