For millions of taxpayers, tax season ends with the welcome expectation of a refund. While the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit, there are times when that anticipated deposit doesn’t arrive on schedule. Understanding the reasons behind these delays can help you resolve the issue and set more accurate financial expectations.

This guide outlines the common causes of refund delays, from IRS processing hurdles to simple banking errors, and provides clear steps on what you can do.

Key Reasons for Delayed or Missing Refunds

A delayed deposit can stem from issues at various points, from the moment you file to when your bank posts the funds. The IRS has a tool, “Where’s My Refund?”, that is updated once daily and is the most reliable source for your refund’s status.

Here are the most frequent reasons a refund hasn’t reached your bank account:

1. Your Tax Return Has Errors or Is Incomplete

Mistakes on your return are a leading cause of delays. Common errors include incorrect Social Security numbers, math errors, or missing supporting documents like W-2s. If the IRS needs to correct your return or request more information, processing will slow down significantly.

2. Your Refund is Undergoing Additional Review

Certain situations trigger mandatory reviews by the IRS, which can hold up your refund:

EITC or ACTC Claims: By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds for returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. Even after this date, these returns often face extra scrutiny.
Identity Verification: To combat fraud, the IRS may hold a refund if it suspects identity theft. You may receive a letter requesting additional documentation to verify your identity.

3. Your Direct Deposit Information Was Entered Incorrectly

This is a critical and surprisingly common issue. If you mistype your account or routing number, one of two things can happen:

The bank information fails the IRS’s validation check, and the IRS will issue a paper check to your address on file.
The information passes validation but is rejected by your bank. The bank returns the funds to the IRS, which then mails you a paper check.
In a worst-case scenario, if the numbers accidentally belong to someone else and the deposit is accepted, you must work directly with the financial institution to recover your funds.

Caution: Always double-check your account and routing numbers before filing. The IRS assumes no responsibility for taxpayer or preparer error in this area.

4. Your Refund Was Applied to Certain Debts (Offset)

The Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service can offset (reduce) your refund to pay certain past-due obligations. These can include:

Unpaid federal or state taxes
Past-due child or spousal support
Certain other federal non-tax debts (like student loans)
The IRS will send a notice if your refund is reduced for an offset.

5. You Filed a Paper Return or Amended Return

The filing method makes a major difference. Paper returns can take six weeks or more to process, compared to three weeks for e-filed returns. Similarly, an amended return (Form 1040-X) can take up to 16 weeks to process from the date it is received.

6. Your Bank Hasn’t Posted the Deposit Yet

Sometimes the delay is not with the IRS but with your financial institution. After the IRS sends the refund, your bank needs to process and post it to your account, which can take an extra 1-5 business days. This is more common around weekends and holidays.

What to Do If Your Refund Is Delayed

Follow this step-by-step guide to track down your refund and take action.

Step 1: Use the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool
This should always be your first move. You can access it on IRS.gov or via the IRS2Go app. You’ll need your Social Security Number (SSN), filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. You can check within 24 hours of e-filing or about four weeks after mailing a paper return.

Step 2: Decode the Status and Follow Instructions
The tool shows three statuses:

Return Received: The IRS has your return and processing has begun.
Refund Approved: The IRS has processed your return and confirmed your refund. It will provide an estimated deposit date.
Refund Sent: Your refund has been dispatched to your bank (for direct deposit) or mailed as a check.
If the tool gives you instructions—such as “contact the IRS” or “we need more information”—follow them promptly.

Step 3: Take Corrective Action Based on the Cause

If you suspect a bank error: First, contact your financial institution to see if they rejected or received a deposit. If the deposit went to the wrong account, you must work with the bank to recover it.
If the IRS is holding the refund: If “Where’s My Refund?” indicates a delay or you receive an IRS letter, respond to any requests for information immediately. If no instructions are given and it’s been more than 21 days since e-filing (or 6 weeks for a paper return), you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
To trace a lost refund: If “Where’s My Refund?” shows the IRS sent the refund but you haven’t received it after several days (or 5 weeks for a mailed check), you may need to initiate a trace. For a direct deposit, contact your bank first. If that fails, you can file IRS Form 3911.

FAQs on Tax Refund Delays

How long should I wait before contacting someone about my refund?

You should only contact the IRS if:

It has been 21 days or more since you e-filed your return.
It has been 6 weeks or more since you mailed a paper return.
The “Where’s My Refund?” tool specifically tells you to contact the IRS.

The IRS tool says my refund was sent, but my bank doesn’t have it. What now?

First, contact your bank. It may still be in transit or pending clearance. Ask them to check for any pending ACH deposits from the U.S. Treasury. If the bank has no record and several business days have passed since the IRS send date, you may need to initiate a refund trace.

What happens if my direct deposit is rejected by the bank?

If the bank rejects the deposit (due to a closed account or incorrect number), they will return the funds to the IRS. The IRS will then convert your refund to a paper check and mail it to the address on your most recent tax return. This process can add several weeks to your wait time.

Is there a faster way to get my refund?

Absolutely. To get your refund as fast as possible:

File your return electronically.
Choose direct deposit for your refund.
Ensure your return is accurate and complete before submitting.
The combination of e-file and direct deposit is the fastest, most secure method available.

Can I still get a paper refund check?

Due to Executive Order 14247, the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks for most taxpayers starting with 2025 tax returns (filed in 2026). While there will be exceptions for vulnerable populations (such as the unbanked or those with religious objections), the default and encouraged method is electronic payment via direct deposit, prepaid debit card, or mobile payment apps.

Key Takeaways for a Smoother Process

To minimize stress and delays, file an accurate, electronic return with correct direct deposit information. Use the official “Where’s My Refund?” tool for updates, as it has the most current information available. Finally, remember that while most refunds arrive quickly, some situations require extra time. Patience and using the right tools are your best assets during tax season.