Overview

Tax refunds are often described as routine, but holds are common and can stall the money you expect. Troubleshooting refund delays is a practical, step-by-step process of identifying why the IRS stopped processing your return and taking the right actions to remove that hold. In my practice as a CPA for over 15 years I’ve seen the same handful of causes account for most delays—and most can be resolved with focused documentation and timely follow-up.

Why refunds are held (common causes)

  • Incomplete or incorrect taxpayer information: wrong Social Security numbers (SSNs), misspelled names, incorrect filing status, or unsigned returns will trigger processing checks. Small data errors are a frequent cause of delays.
  • Identity verification or suspected identity theft: if the IRS sees a mismatch in previously filed returns or receives a report of identity theft, it will pause the refund and request additional verification. The IRS may send a notice with instructions to verify identity.
  • Refund offsets: federal or state debts (past-due child support, delinquent federal or state taxes, or certain federal non-tax debts) can be applied to your refund. This reduces or eliminates the amount paid to you and often shows as an offset on your account.
  • Amended returns (Form 1040-X): amended returns require additional review and historically take much longer to process than original returns.
  • Inconsistent income reporting: mismatches between your return and third-party reports (W-2s, 1099s) prompt verification. The IRS compares filed returns to employer and payer-reported data and flags differences.
  • Paper-filed returns or manual reviews: paper returns and returns that require manual adjustments (credits, identity reviews, or audit flags) take longer than e-filed returns that clear automated checks.
  • Fraud filters and red flags: unusually large credits, certain refundable credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit), or repeated patterns that match fraud signatures can trigger manual review.

(For official guidance on checking your refund and common timing, see the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” and refunds pages: https://www.irs.gov/refunds and https://www.irs.gov/filing/where-s-my-refund.)

How long should you normally expect to wait?

The IRS generally issues most e-filed refunds within about 21 days when there are no issues, while paper returns and amended returns can take several weeks to months. Amended returns and identity verification cases can take longer—often many weeks. If a significant amount of time passes, escalate using the steps below.

Step-by-step troubleshooting checklist (what to do first)

  1. Check the online tool
  • Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” or “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool to get the official status. These tools give the most up-to-date information the IRS has posted. (https://www.irs.gov/refunds)
  1. Read any IRS notices carefully
  • If the IRS mailed a notice, follow the instructions exactly. Notices typically explain what documentation is required, where to mail it, and any deadlines.
  1. Confirm basic return data
  • Verify SSNs, names, filing status, dependents, and bank account details for direct deposit. A simple typo can cause a hold.
  1. Pull supporting documents
  • Gather W-2s, 1099s, Form 1095 (if applicable), Social Security cards, state IDs, bank statements, and any notices you received from the IRS. If identity verification was requested, you may need a copy of a government photo ID and proof of Social Security number.
  1. Respond promptly and securely
  • Send only the documents requested and follow the IRS’s secure transmission instructions. Do not email sensitive personal information unless using an approved secure portal.
  1. Confirm offsets
  • If your account shows an offset, the IRS will send a notice (often Letter 6425 or similar). Review the notice and the agency listed (state agency, Department of Education, etc.) and contact them if you believe the offset is incorrect.

How to contact the IRS and when to escalate

  • Start with the online tools (Where’s My Refund? and the specific tools for amended returns or identity verification). They often explain what’s needed next. See https://www.irs.gov/refunds.
  • If the online tools show no change after the posted processing time, call the IRS. Have your SSN, filing status, tax year, and the exact refund amount handy.
  • If you’ve waited an unreasonable time (the refund is more than 21 days past normal processing for e-filed returns, or you face financial hardship), contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers when normal channels don’t resolve a case. See https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/.

What documents the IRS commonly requests

  • Copy of the tax return in question
  • A copy of your Social Security card or SSA statement
  • Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
  • Wage and income documents (W-2, 1099) to match reported income
  • Proof of bank account ownership for direct deposit disputes

Special cases and how to handle them

  • Identity theft: If you suspect identity theft, go to the IRS Identity Protection pages and follow their steps (they may request Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit). Contacting the IRS early and using identity-protection tools reduces delays. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also lists practical steps for protecting personal financial information (https://www.consumerfinance.gov/).
  • Refund offsets for debts: If the IRS applied an offset for federal or state debts, you’ll receive a notice that explains which agency received the offset. Contact that agency to dispute or request a review if you believe the offset is incorrect.
  • Amended returns: Track amended returns with the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool and expect longer processing times. Make sure the Form 1040-X was completed correctly and attachments are included.

Real-world tips from my practice

  • Document every interaction: save dates, names, notice numbers, and summaries of phone calls with the IRS. This timeline helps if you must escalate to TAS.
  • Snapshot your online status: take screenshots of the IRS status page and any letters you receive.
  • Avoid re-sending documents unless requested: duplicate submissions can delay processing. Wait for an IRS confirmation or request before sending more documents.
  • Use secure delivery methods: certified mail or secure portals provide proof of delivery when you’re sending sensitive documents.

When to hire professional help

If you’re unable to resolve a hold after following IRS instructions, or if the delay creates severe financial hardship, consult a qualified tax professional or contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service. In my practice, a carefully prepared contact packet (cover letter, copies of ID, transcripts, and a timeline) often moved stalled cases forward.

What to watch out for—scams and bad advice

The IRS does not initiate unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment or ask for private information by text or social media. Be skeptical of anyone offering to “speed up” your refund for an upfront fee or asking you to waive secure steps. If you suspect a scam, report it to the IRS and the FTC.

Helpful resources and internal links

Final checklist before you call the IRS

  • Confirm your return was accepted (not rejected)
  • Verify personal info (SSN, name spelling, filing status)
  • Have your exact refund amount from the return available
  • Assemble any IRS notices and supporting documents
  • Note the date you first checked the online status

Professional disclaimer

This article is educational and does not replace personalized tax advice. For specific situations, consult a licensed tax professional or accountant. If you believe you have an urgent issue (identity theft, offset dispute, or severe financial hardship), contact the IRS or the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

Sources and further reading

(Information current as of 2025. Processes and timelines are subject to change; always verify on official IRS pages.)