Even though the IRS issues most tax refunds within 21 days, it's possible your return may require additional review and take longer to process.
For some taxpayers, PATH Act requirements and other identity-protection safeguards implemented by the IRS may account for longer wait times.
Other things that can delay your refund include, but are not limited to:
- Liens, back taxes, or refund offsets
- Errors, inconsistencies, or missing information
- Identity fraud
- Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which can take 11-14 weeks to process
- Claiming a mistaken amount of Recovery Rebate Credit
Also, if you chose direct deposit, your financial institution may need another day or two to post the refund to your account, so keep that in mind.
