In recent weeks, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been criticized for taking too long to send refunds. This is especially true since it is part of the Trump administration. However, new studies have shown that these delays are due to technical issues.
Tens of millions of American taxpayers filed their taxes electronically, which is a lot more than in previous years. Fewer and fewer people are trying to file their taxes on paper, either because it can take longer and there is a chance of making a mistake or the papers getting lost in the mail. Based on information from the IRS, we have looked into the most common reasons why tax returns are late.
Official study of the main reasons why IRS refunds take so long to arrive
Official papers say that the extra review of tax returns is the most important thing, especially when problems like errors, complicated tax credits, or fraud risks are found. This process is meant to make sure that payments are correct, even though it makes dates longer.
Math mistakes, leaving out important information, and claims for credits like the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) or ACTC (Additional Child Tax Credit) are some of the most common reasons. Verification procedures are also set off by paper tax returns, unpaid government debts, and possible identity theft. For electronic methods with direct deposit, the normal time frame is 21 days. These cases take longer than that.
The IRS suggests using its “Where’s My Refund?” platform to keep track of things in real time. The change takes 24 hours for computers and four weeks for returns that are sent by mail. In the statement from December 4, 2024, a spokesperson says, “Transparency is a priority, but some cases require manual validation.”
There are other common reasons why IRS tax refunds are late
Experts we talked to said that handling physical forms by hand can add up to six weeks to the normal time frame. Even though this method is current, it makes mistakes and delays more likely. The IRS can also hold back refunds to pay off debts owed to government agencies. This is called debt offset in the law.
On other occasions, IRS agents and inspectors find possible problems and the agency starts reviews that can stop refunds for weeks. The Taxpayer Ombudsman Service says that in these situations, people’s identities must be checked and data must be cross-checked with Social Security and other organizations. A report from the group says, “No system is perfect, but we put financial security first.”
If you don’t know why your tax refund is taking so long to arrive, you should soon be getting a letter from the IRS. In this letter, they may ask for more information, supporting papers, or other proof in case they find problems or doubts.
The agency would rather send notices by mail, but you can also check “Where’s My Refund” to see if there are any notices there. According to experts, you should file your taxes online with direct deposit, check your calculations with approved software, and keep your personal information up to date. People who want to claim EITC or ACTC credits should plan their finances without depending on strict due dates.
