Tax season 2025 for filing ended on April 15. But assuming you filed your tax returns on time and did not apply for October extension, your refund is now well past the standard tax refund schedule that we know. Most taxpayers have already received theirs, but why haven’t you?
We will help you understand why your refund is late, how to track it effectively, and what steps you can take right now to get answers.
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How Do I Check My IRS Refund Status?
First thing to do is to check your official status directly with IRS:
• Use the 'Where's My Refund?' Tool
This tool is the official online IRS refund tracker on the IRS.gov website. It will show you one of three statuses: Return Received, Refund Approved, or Refund Sent.
• Download the IRS2Go App
You can also access Where’s My Refund? Tool by downloading the official IRS2Go App on your mobile. Information here is updated once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so there is no need to check IRS refund delay update more than once a day.
Why Is My 2025 Tax Refund Delayed?
If you did not request to extend your filing deadline to October, your refund may have already been officially delayed by now. It usually means your return requires extra attention. Here are some common reasons your money still has not arrived:
• Errors on Your Return
Simple mistakes like typos, math errors, or an incorrect Social Security number will flag your return for a manual review by an IRS employee. These can cause significant delays.
• Identity Verification
To prevent fraud, the IRS may hold your refund until you verify your identity. You must respond to the letter they mail you (often a 5071C or 4883C) to release your funds.
• Certain Tax Credits
Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) can still lead to extended processing backlogs even when the PATH Act was lifted in February.
• Refund Was Offset
Your refund can be automatically used to pay other debts like past-due federal/state taxes or child support. The Treasury Offset Program will notify you by mail if this happens.
• Amended Return (Form 1040-X)
Amended returns are processed manually and have a much slower timeline, often taking 16 weeks or more to complete.
How Long Does a Tax Refund Normally Take?
To understand if you are truly delayed, understand how long does it take for tax refund. The standard 2025 tax refund schedule is less than 21 days if you e-File an error-free return and choose direct deposit.
This 21-day window is the benchmark to determine if your refund is officially delayed. If you mailed a paper check return, the wait is much longer, typically six weeks or more.
If My Tax Refund Was Accepted, Why Isn't It Approved?
Many of our clients ask why “my tax refund was accepted when will it be approved” especially after seeing their status stuck on “Accepted” for weeks. To understand the delay, understand what each status means:
- Return Accepted: Your return has passed the IRS’s initial automated check. The 21-day processing countdown begins.
- Refund Approved: The IRS has fully processed your return, confirmed your final refund amount, and has scheduled the payment.
Since your refund status has been “Accepted” for weeks, your return has been flagged for manual review. The online tracker will not update until this review is complete.
What Should I Do If My Tax Refund Is Severely Delayed?
If you have been waiting for months and the Where’s My Refund? tool offers no new information, it’s time to take more proactive steps.
• Check Your Mail and Your Bank Account
First, ensure you have not missed a notice from the IRS in the mail or a direct deposit that you did not recognize.
• Review Your Tax Transcript
A tax transcript is a more detailed summary of your tax account than what is shown on the public Refund tracker. You can access it for free through your IRS.gov online account. It may contain codes or transaction dates that provide more insight into the delay.
• Call the IRS (When Appropriate)
Calling the IRS should not be your first step due to long wait times. However, it is necessary if the Where’s My Refund? tool specifically tells you to, or if it has been well over 21 days since your e-filed return was accepted.
• Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service
If your delayed refund is causing a significant financial hardship, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) can help. This is an independent organization within the IRS that protects taxpayer rights and can help resolve prolonged issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delayed Refunds
No, the tool is not broken. A lack of updates means your return has been pulled from the automated system for manual review and no longer follows the standard e-File refund timeline. The tracker will only update once an IRS employee takes specific action on your file.
The IRS refund schedule 2025 is based on a 21-day processing window for most error-free, e-filed returns. A delay well beyond this period indicates your return requires further investigation.
Respond immediately. IRS notices are time-sensitive. Whether it’s for identity verification or a request for more information, your refund will remain on hold until you follow the letter’s instructions.
While they cannot force the IRS to process your return faster, a tax professional can be invaluable in diagnosing the reason for the delay, correctly interpreting IRS notices, and communicating with the IRS on your behalf.
You will receive an official notice in the mail from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS), which handles refund offsets. The notice will detail the original refund amount, the offset amount, and the agency that received the payment.
Once you see the “Refund Approved” status and an official direct deposit refund date, the final step is very quick. How long does it take for tax refund to show in bank account after approved is typically just 1-5 business days, depending on your bank’s processing speed.
Still Waiting? Get Expert Help with Your Tax Refund
Feeling stuck waiting for your money is one of the most stressful parts of the tax refund schedule. If you have tried the tools, reviewed the reasons, and still don’t have answers, you don’t have to figure them out alone.
Legend Fusions is here to help you understand why your refund is delayed, review IRS notices, and communicate effectively with the agency to get the resolution you deserve. If you still have not filed your returns, we also help. Reach us anytime!
Reviewed by:
Hira Asif
Hira Asif, Client Manager (US) at Legend Fusions, brings over 11 years of tax expertise, including 8 years with Ernst & Young. Her work focuses on tax advisory, compliance, and planning for individuals, partnerships, and private equity funds. With a deep knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations, Hira is skilled in identifying tax planning opportunities and reviewing corporate and partnership tax returns to optimize compliance and reduce exposures.