7 Reasons Your Tax Refund Is Delayed — Stuck on “Still Processing” (2025)

⏳ 7 Reasons Your Tax Refund Is Delayed — Stuck on “Still Processing” (2025)

“I e-filed my return — isn’t my refund supposed to arrive within 21 days?” When the IRS Where’s My Refund tool keeps showing Still Processing and nothing hits your bank account, anxiety is natural. However, in real EA practice, a delayed tax refund rarely means an audit.

1️⃣ How Long Do IRS Refunds Normally Take?

The IRS states that most refunds issued via e-file with direct deposit are processed within 21 days. This timeline applies only when no issues are detected. Delays are common in the following situations:

• Paper filing: typically 6 weeks to several months
• EITC or CTC claimed: refunds legally held until mid-February
• ITIN filers: additional verification often required

2️⃣ 7 Common Reasons Your Tax Refund Is Delayed

① Missing Form 1095-A or Form 8962

If you had Marketplace health insurance, Premium Tax Credit reconciliation (Form 8962) is mandatory. Missing this form automatically freezes your refund.

② W-2 or 1099 Income Mismatch

If income reported on your return does not match what employers or payers reported to the IRS, your refund will be paused for manual review.

③ ID.me Identity Verification Required

Receiving a 5071C or 4883C letter means identity verification is required. Refunds will not be released until verification is completed.

④ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)

These credits are subject to mandatory fraud-prevention delays. Even error-free returns may experience delayed refunds.

⑤ Incorrect Bank Account Information

If the routing or account number is incorrect, direct deposit fails and the refund is reissued by paper check, often adding several weeks.

⑥ IRS Manual Review

Some returns are selected for internal review due to minor inconsistencies or random screening. This is not an audit.

⑦ Unresolved Prior-Year Tax Issues

Unfiled prior returns, tax balances due, or pending amended returns can cause refunds to be delayed or offset.

3️⃣ Does a Refund Delay Mean an IRS Audit?

No. Most refund delays have nothing to do with audits. Audits involve separate official notices and procedures. A delayed refund alone does not indicate an audit.

4️⃣ What You Should Check Immediately

• Check your status on Where’s My Refund
• Log in to your IRS Online Account
• Review any IRS letters received
• Confirm whether Form 1095-A was issued
• Verify bank account information

5️⃣ How Long Should You Wait?

Exceeding the 21-day estimate does not automatically mean a problem. However, if your refund is delayed more than six weeks with no updates, further action may be required.

6️⃣ EA Practice Notes: What NOT to Do

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