Waiting on your tax refund? Here's why your return may be taking longer this year (2024)

While patience may be a virtue, the Internal Revenue Service has a way of reaching a person's limits of virtuosity.

Tax season is nearly over, and people who filed earlier in the window may wonder why a return is taking so long to process.

The IRS has received 1.7% fewer returns this tax season but has processed 2% fewer returns this year compared to 2023, according to Forbes.

This year's tax filing window is narrower, as it opened a week later and will close nine days sooner than in 2023.

Here's why your tax return may be delayed.

How long does a tax return take to process?

The IRS says that most refunds are issued within 21 days of being received.

The Revenue Service offers the "Where's my Refund" tool where filers can check the status of their returns.

The tool updates once a day.

Waiting on your tax refund? Here's why your return may be taking longer this year (1)

What could be delaying my tax return?

The IRS says that tax returns can be delayed for the following reasons:

  • It was sent by mail
  • It contains errors or is incomplete
  • It needs further review
  • It is affected by identity theft or fraud
  • It was referred to the IRS by the bank due to suspicious activity
  • It includes anInjured Spouse Allocation form, which could take up to 14 weeks to process

What is the average tax refund?

The average tax refund issued by the IRS as of March 1 is $3,182, a 5.1% increase compared to the similar filling period in 2023. The trend may not hold, as refund amounts dropped 13% between March and April, according to Barrons.

Waiting on your tax refund? Here's why your return may be taking longer this year (2024)

FAQs

Waiting on your tax refund? Here's why your return may be taking longer this year? ›

The IRS says that tax returns can be delayed for the following reasons: It was sent by mail. It contains errors or is incomplete. It needs further review.

What does it mean when the IRS says your refund is taking longer than expected? ›

Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return: Is sent by mail. Contains errors or is incomplete. Needs further review in general.

Why am I waiting so long for my refund? ›

Reasons Your Tax Refund Can Be Delayed

There are several reasons why your tax return may be delayed: Errors such as an incomplete filing status. Missing information. A need for additional review.

Why has my refund not been approved yet? ›

An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.

Why are refunds taking so long in 2024? ›

There are a few reasons why your federal refund may be delayed. One of the most common culprits is submitting a return that contains an error, such as the wrong Social Security number or incorrect direct deposit information. The IRS could also be holding up your refund if it requires additional review or is incomplete.

How do I know if my tax return has been flagged? ›

Taxpayers whose tax returns have been flagged for possible IDT should receive one of the following letters: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option – Provides online and phone options and is issued most widely.

Should I be worried if my refund is delayed? ›

Your refund may be delayed for several reasons. In some cases, you'll just get the money later than expected. In others, the IRS may send you a letter asking for additional information before it can finish processing your return and send your refund.

How long should it say your tax return is still being processed? ›

If taxpayers file a paper return, they should wait four weeks before checking the status. IRS representatives on the phone and at Taxpayer Assistance Centers can only research the status of a refund if: It's been 21 days or more since the taxpayer filed the return electronically.

How long can the IRS hold your refund? ›

If you provide the information the IRS requested, the IRS should correct your account and resolve the refund issue (generally within 60 days). If you file a missing or late return, the IRS will process your returns and issue your refunds (generally within 90 days).

Why is the IRS holding my refund? ›

The IRS is holding your refund until we receive the additional information we requested from you to determine if the income is correct before we can release your refund.

What does code 152 mean on Where's My refund? ›

Tax Topic 152 means the IRS is processing your refund. That's all it means. The IRS has received your tax refund, and the agency is processing it. For some reason, processing is taking longer than usual, but unfortunately, this Tax Topic doesn't explain why processing is taking so long.

Does accepted mean my refund is approved? ›

Accepted means your tax return was received and has passed initial inspection, such as correct Social Security number and correctly claimed dependents. It can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks for your return to go from acceptance to approval.

Where is my refund unavailable? ›

If your refund status shows "unavailable", you can find updates by checking the IRS website, using the IRS2Go mobile app, or calling the IRS refund hotline. These resources will provide you with the most up-to-date information on the status of your refund and any possible issues that may be delaying it.

Is the IRS behind on refunds in 2024? ›

The amount of tax refund money the IRS has sent out continues to pick up, even though the total number of refunds sent so far in 2024 is continuing to lag slightly behind the numbers for the same period in 2023. (Here's how to see the status of your tax refund.)

How long is the IRS taking to process returns in 2024? ›

When you can expect your tax refund. If you file an electronic return, expect a refund and opted for direct deposit, you should get it within 21 days of filing, as long as there are no issues with your return, like inaccuracies or incomplete information, according to the IRS.

How long is it taking to get tax refunds in 2024? ›

Taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit typically get their refund in less than 21 days. Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can find out how to open a bank account at a FDIC-insured bank or the National Credit Union Locator Tool.

Why is my IRS refund less than expected? ›

If you owe money to a federal or state agency, the federal government may use part or all of your federal tax refund to repay the debt. This is called a tax refund offset. If your tax refund is lower than you calculated, it may be due to a tax refund offset for an unpaid debt such as child support.

What if it's been longer than 21 days and no refund? ›

Call 1–800-TAX-1040. That's 1–800–829–1040. If you're willing to wait for a refund, then they'll be able to take a look into your account, see what's delaying it, or if there's something that went wrong with it.

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