Why is my 2025 tax refund delayed? What's happening with IRS processing in 2026?

Tax refunds in the 2026 filing season (for 2025 returns) are taking longer for many filers, and there are several reasons why.

Why refunds may be delayed in 2026:

1. IRS staffing reductions. Following workforce cuts in 2025 (including layoffs tied to DOGE-related federal workforce reductions), the IRS is operating with significantly fewer employees than in prior years. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) warned this could slow return processing and taxpayer phone support throughout the 2026 filing season.

2. Complexity from new tax law. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed in 2025, made significant changes to the tax code — including tip income exclusions, overtime pay exclusions, SALT cap increases, and a new senior deduction. The IRS had to update forms, software, and instructions mid-cycle. Returns that trigger new provisions may require additional review.

3. Returns flagged for ID verification or credits review. Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), or credits affected by the OBBBA may take longer as the IRS validates eligibility under the new rules.

4. Paper returns. Electronic filing is processed in days; paper returns can take 6–8 weeks or longer — and even more in 2026 given staffing constraints.

How to check your refund status:

Use the IRS Where's My Refund? tool at IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. You'll need your:

• Social Security Number
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount

Where's My Refund? updates once daily (usually overnight). If you e-filed, the tool typically shows status within 24–48 hours of the IRS accepting your return.

What to do if your refund is taking too long:

• Wait at least 21 days after e-filing before calling (that's the standard processing window)
• For paper returns, wait at least 6 weeks
• If it's been longer, you can call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954 or contact your local Taxpayer Assistance Center
• If you believe there's an error or your refund was lost, you can request a refund trace