Generally, the IRS issues approved federal tax refunds within 21 days from the date you e-filed. If you filed your 2025 taxes by mail this year, it can take 42 days (that’s six weeks) or more to process your return and issue your approved refund.1
Key Takeaways
- Tax refunds typically take about 21 days to process if you e-file, but delays happen when the IRS needs to review your return for errors, missing information, identity verification, fraud checks, certain tax credits, or if you filed by mail or amended your return.
- Refund delays are most often caused by simple issues like incorrect Social Security numbers, incomplete forms, or mismatched information that require manual review before the IRS can approve your refund.
- Your tax refund may be lower than expected if less tax was withheld from your paychecks, you have fewer deductions or credits, or your income increased into a higher tax bracket, reducing the amount you get back.
- If your refund is delayed or lower than expected, checking your status through the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool can help you understand what stage your return is in and whether additional action is needed before your refund is issued.
Reasons your tax refund may have a longer processing time include:
| Tax Refunds May Take Longer If … | Reason |
| You are receiving an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) | By law the IRS cannot issue EITC or ACTC refunds until mid-February.2 |
| There are errors or incomplete information on your tax return | If you are missing a form or entered incorrect information, you will have to correct your return before you can receive your refund. |
| There are identity verification issues or fraud review | Identity verification issues can set your refund behind. So can fraud review, depending on the outcome. |
| You amended your return | Amended returns can take 8 to 12 weeks to process.3 |
| You are receiving an offset or reduced refund | An offset or reduced refund can take 11 to 14 weeks to process.4 |
| You filed a paper return | It can take more than a month and half or longer to process a return submitted by mail. |
Why Is My Tax Refund So Low?
If your tax refund was lower than you expected, it could be because you had less tax withheld from your paychecks this year than you did in years prior. You may also receive a lower refund that you expected if you have fewer credits or deductions.
Tax brackets also play a major role in determining how much money you may get back each tax season. If you received a raise, or have more than one job, you may have moved to a different tax bracket, which can result in a lower tax refund or even owing the IRS money when you file.
Receiving a lower tax refund than you expected can catch you off guard, especially if you planned on using that money for essentials. In fact, more than half of Americans who receive a tax refund plan to use it on necessities like bills, groceries, or paying off debt, particularly credit card debt.6
Feeling strapped for cash because your tax return was lower than you expected isn’t an uncommon situation. But with a CreditNinja personal installment loan, you can cover that gap to get your finances back on track. Access up to $5,000 in same-day funding delivered right to your bank account.* We offer fixed interest and flexible repayment options to keep monthly payments low and affordable if needed. You also have the option to repay your balance as early as you like with no prepayment penalty.
What Determines My Tax Refund Amount?
Factors that determine your refund include:
- Deductions — In addition to your standard deduction, there are other deductions that can lower your taxable income, such as mortgage interest, student loan interest, IRA contributions, charitable donations, and some medical expenses.
- Gross Pay — Also known as your taxable income. This is your total income before taxes and deductions.
- Federal Income Tax Withheld — The money your employer has already sent to the IRS on your behalf. Some states also have a state tax that employers take out and send to the IRS.
- Filing Status — Whether you are married or single. This status helps determine your tax bracket and standard deduction.
- Allowances and/or Dependents — This amount tells your employer how much tax to withhold from each paycheck you receive.
What’s the Status of My Tax Refund?
To find the exact status of your tax refund, the best source is the online “Where’s My Refund” tool provided by the IRS. Enter your social security number, Tax ID (typically your SSN), and your requested refund amount to see the current status of your refund. Your refund status is usually available:
- 24 hours after you e-file (3 days if you are e-filing a prior year’s return).1
- Four weeks if you filed a paper return.1
You can also check your status of your refund by:
- Using the IRS mobile app.
- Calling 800-829-1954 if you are requesting the status of the current year’s return.
- Calling 866-464-2050 if you are requesting the status of a prior year’s return.
Tax Refund FAQs
How long does it take for my tax refund to show in my bank account after my return was accepted?
You can usually expect your tax refund deposited into your bank or checking account within about 21 days after the IRS accepts your e-filed return. If you mailed in your return, you may have to wait six weeks or more to receive your refund.
What are the most common reasons my tax refund is delayed?
Tax refunds may be delayed due to errors, missing information, identity verification, fraud reviews, or claiming credits like the EITC or ACTC. Filing a paper return or an amended return can also significantly increase processing time.
How can I receive my tax refund?
Most taxpayers receive their refund via direct deposit to their bank or checking account. You may also receive your refund via some prepaid debit cards, if they have an associated routing and account number you can enter on your tax return.
What is a tax refund offset and how does it affect my refund?
A tax refund offset occurs when the IRS uses your refund to pay debts like back taxes, child support, or student loans. This can reduce your refund amount and may delay when you receive it.
What should I do if my tax refund is taking longer than expected?
Start by checking your status online to see if the IRS needs additional information. If your refund is delayed beyond normal timeframes, you may need to contact the IRS for further assistance.
What happens if I owe taxes and can’t afford to pay?
The IRS offers payment plans that allow you to pay over time, but interest and penalties may still apply. Paying as much as you can early may help reduce additional costs.
Can I use a personal loan to cover taxes or expenses while waiting for my refund?
Some people use personal installment loans to cover urgent expenses or pay a tax balance in full. This can provide fast access to funds and allow for structured monthly payments depending on your needs.
Will owing taxes affect my credit score?
Owing taxes does not directly impact your credit score. However, unresolved tax debt can lead to more serious consequences if left unaddressed.
References:
- Refunds | Internal Revenue Service
- When to expect your refund if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit | Internal Revenue Service
- Where’s My Amended Return? | Internal Revenue Service
- Reduced refund | Internal Revenue Service
- Tell IRS to direct deposit your refund to one, two, or three accounts | Internal Revenue Service
- Majority of Americans plan to spend tax refund on necessities | Talker Research
