Why the IRS is processing refunds more slowly this year

Tax refunds in 2025 are taking longer than they did in previous years, and the delays are real. The IRS has publicly stated that processing times have extended, particularly for returns that require manual review or contain certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC). A return that might have been processed in 21 days in 2024 could take 6 to 8 weeks or longer in 2025.

The primary reason is staffing and funding. The IRS operates with fewer employees than it did a decade ago, despite a significant increase in the number of tax returns filed each year. Additionally, the agency has been working through a backlog of unprocessed returns from 2024, which means 2025 returns are queued behind them. This backlog compounds as the filing season progresses.

Another factor is the complexity of returns themselves. More people are claiming refundable credits, working multiple jobs, or reporting income from side gigs and investments. Each of these situations requires additional verification steps, which slows processing.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS is processing 2025 returns in 6 to 8 weeks or longer, compared to the standard 21-day timeframe from previous years.
  • Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or other refundable credits face the longest delays.
  • A backlog of 2024 returns still being processed means 2025 returns are waiting in queue.
  • Filing electronically with direct deposit is faster than filing on paper or requesting a check by mail.
  • You can check your refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool, which updates every 24 hours after your return is received.

Which returns are delayed the most

Not all returns face the same wait. The IRS prioritizes returns in this general order: straightforward returns with no credits, returns with standard deductions, and then returns that require verification. Returns claiming refundable credits—particularly the EITC and CTC—are processed last and face the longest delays.

Returns filed on paper are also significantly slower. The IRS must manually enter the information from paper returns into its system before processing can begin. If you filed on paper, expect your refund to take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. Electronic returns move through the system much faster.

Returns that trigger the IRS's fraud detection systems also experience delays. If your return matches certain patterns—such as a sudden increase in claimed deductions, income that doesn't match W-2 records, or inconsistencies in your filing history—the return is flagged for manual review. This review can add weeks or months to processing time.

How to check your refund status

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 exact refund amount to see where your return stands in the queue. The tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in a single day will not show new information.

The tool will show one of three statuses: "Return Received" (the IRS has your return but has not begun processing), "Refund Approved" (processing is complete and your refund has been authorized), or "Refund Sent" (the refund has been issued). If your return shows "Refund Sent," the tool will also tell you the date the refund was sent and the method—direct deposit or check by mail.

If your return has been in "Return Received" status for more than 8 weeks, or if it shows an error message, contact the IRS directly. You can reach the IRS by phone at 1-800-829-1040 (the wait time is typically 30 minutes to 2 hours during peak filing season) or visit a local IRS office by appointment.

Direct deposit versus check by mail

The fastest way to receive your refund is through direct deposit to a bank account. When you choose direct deposit, the IRS transfers the funds electronically once your refund is approved. This typically takes 1 to 2 business days after the IRS marks your refund as sent. You need to provide your bank's routing number and your account number on your tax return.

If you request a check by mail, the IRS must print and mail the check, which adds 7 to 14 days to the timeline. During peak filing season, the IRS's check-printing operations can become backlogged, extending this further. A check can also be lost or delayed in the mail.

If you did not provide direct deposit information on your return and want to change it now, you cannot do so through "Where's My Refund?" Instead, you must contact the IRS directly by phone or visit an office. Some tax preparation software allows you to add or update direct deposit information before you file, which is why reviewing your return before submitting it is important.

What to do if your refund is very late

If your refund has not arrived within 8 weeks of filing electronically, or 12 weeks of filing on paper, you can contact the IRS to investigate. Call 1-800-829-1040 and have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is still in queue, has been flagged for review, or has been sent but not received.

If the IRS confirms that your refund was sent but you never received it, the IRS can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, reissue the refund to a different bank account if you provide updated direct deposit information. This process typically takes another 4 to 6 weeks.

If your return was flagged for review and you believe there is an error, ask the IRS what information they need from you. Providing documentation quickly—such as receipts, W-2 forms, or 1099 forms—can speed up the review. However, the IRS will not process your refund until the review is complete, regardless of how quickly you respond.

How filing method affects your timeline

The method you use to file your return has a major impact on how long you wait. Electronic filing with direct deposit is the fastest route: the IRS receives your return within hours, begins processing when ready, and can deposit your refund within 21 days under normal circumstances (though 6 to 8 weeks is more typical in 2025). Electronic filing with a mailed check takes 4 to 6 weeks longer because of printing and mail delays.

Paper filing is significantly slower. The IRS must receive your paper return by mail, manually enter the data into its system, and then process it. This adds at least 2 to 4 weeks to the timeline before processing even begins. If you filed on paper and have not received your refund within 12 weeks, contact the IRS to confirm they received it.

If you used a tax preparation service or software, check whether they offer "rapid refund" or "refund advance" products. These are loans against your expected refund and are not the same as your actual refund from the IRS. The loan is issued quickly (within days), but you pay fees and interest. Your actual IRS refund still takes the standard amount of time to process.

What changed between 2024 and 2025

The IRS did not announce a major policy change for 2025, but processing times have visibly extended. The agency attributes this to the ongoing backlog from 2024, continued staffing shortages, and an increase in the complexity of returns being filed. The IRS also implemented additional fraud detection measures, which means more returns are flagged for manual review.

One change that may affect you: the IRS has been more aggressive about matching reported income to W-2 and 1099 records. If your return shows income that does not match what your employer or financial institution reported, the IRS will likely flag it for review. This is not necessarily a problem—mismatches can occur for legitimate reasons, such as a name change or a correction filed by your employer—but it does trigger a delay.

The IRS has also increased its focus on refundable credits. The EITC and CTC are high-value credits that the IRS verifies carefully to prevent fraud. If you claim either of these credits, expect your return to take longer than average.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my refund faster if I pay a tax preparation company?

Tax preparation companies cannot speed up the IRS's processing time. They can file your return electronically, which is faster than paper filing, but the IRS still processes it on its own timeline. Some companies offer "refund advance" loans, which give you money when ready, but you pay fees and interest. Your actual refund from the IRS takes the standard amount of time.

What if the IRS says my refund was sent but I never got it?

Contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040. If the refund was sent by check, the IRS can issue a replacement check or reissue the funds to a different bank account. If it was sent by direct deposit, the IRS can investigate whether the funds reached your bank. Bring your bank statements to show the deposit did not arrive.

Does filing early get me my refund faster?

Filing early does not change how long the IRS takes to process your return, but it does mean you are earlier in the queue. If you file in January, your return is processed before returns filed in March. However, if you are claiming refundable credits, the IRS may hold your return until mid-February regardless of when you file, as part of fraud prevention measures.

Why is my return still showing "Return Received" after 6 weeks?

Your return may be waiting in queue, or it may have been flagged for review. Use "Where's My Refund?" to check for any error messages. If the status has not changed in 8 weeks, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask whether your return is under review or if there is an issue with your filing.

Can I amend my return to speed up processing?

No. Amending your return (filing a Form 1040-X) actually slows things down because the amended return goes to the back of the queue. Only amend if you made an actual error on your original return. If you straightforward want to add information or clarify something, contact the IRS directly instead.