The Internal Revenue Service released updated guidance in March 2025 to help taxpayers avoid refund delays during the federal tax filing season. Millions of Americans depend on their refunds for essential expenses.
The IRS processes more than 150 million tax returns annually, with most refunds issued within 21 days when taxpayers e-file and choose direct deposit. Paper returns typically take six to eight weeks. When returns contain errors, missing tax forms, or incorrect Social Security numbers, they are flagged for manual review, which can extend refund status updates for weeks or even months.
IRS officials emphasize that taxpayers who e-file and verify details carefully experience fewer delays. “Electronic filing decreases mathematical errors, identifies potential credits, and prompts for missing information,” the agency noted in its March 2025 guidance.
The IRS advises taxpayers to collect all documents before filing, including W-2s, 1099s, prior year returns, and deduction records. Electronic filing through Free or Direct files is recommended to reduce mistakes and speed up processing.
Before submitting, taxpayers should double-check names, Social Security numbers, and bank account information. Incorrect routing or account numbers can delay or misdirect a federal refund. Reporting all taxable income is also critical, covering wages, gig economy earnings, unemployment benefits, interest, and digital assets.
The agency warns that returns missing information or submitted with errors may take significantly longer to process. Taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit through a financial institution typically receive their refunds faster than those who rely on paper returns or mailed refund checks.
Certain claims, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit, require extra review and may not be released until early March, even when filed correctly. Refunds can be delayed if the IRS flags potential identity theft or fraud.
Other issues, such as unpaid child support or past federal debts, may reduce or hold part of a refund. Depending on the complexity of the issues, if a return is selected for manual review, the process can take 45 to 180 days.
Taxpayers waiting for a federal refund are encouraged to use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov, which updates once every 24 hours. The tool requires a Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount to provide refund information.
The IRS cautions taxpayers not to call unless directed by a notice, since representatives cannot provide more details than those available online. State tax refund status must be checked through state tax agency websites.
According to the IRS, the fastest way to receive money is to e-file and choose direct deposit. Refunds sent by paper check or involving errors, debts, or review will take longer. The agency updates taxpayers through official channels, with pages marked “last reviewed or updated” to ensure the latest information is available.
For the latest information on filing a federal tax return, taxpayers can visit the IRS newsroom at www.irs.gov/newsroom. The site provides updated refund information, notices, and details on how to avoid errors when submitting tax forms. Pages include a “page last reviewed or updated” note to show when guidance was last checked.
The "Where’s My Refund?" tool at www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund allows taxpayers to track the status of a federal refund online. By entering a Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount, taxpayers can check when their payment is approved, sent to a bank account, or issued a refund check. A locked padlock icon confirms the tool is secure.
For those using e-file, the IRS Free File program at www.irs.gov/freefile offers options to submit returns electronically and speed up refunds. Taxpayers choosing direct deposit through a financial institution typically receive funds faster than by mail. Paper returns, refund checks, or cases flagged for review may take longer.
State tax refund information can be accessed directly from state tax agency websites. Taxpayers with questions about identity theft, child support offsets, or past federal debts should review IRS notices for details.
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