Government leaders are warning US taxpayers to prepare for longer waits getting the refunds this year. Here’s how to adjust if you’re counting on that cash to pay bills or make big purchases

Tax experts agree that taxpayers may be in for a long wait: “I think it's going to slow the processing of returns," Charlotte, N.C.-based tax expert Lem Jones told television station WCNC. “Your paperwork and your processing with the IRS will get delayed."

How this affects you

Nearly half of Americans use their tax refunds to pay off debt or boost their savings rather than make recreational purchases, according to a 2024 Bankrate survey. The Bipartisan Tax Policy Center also found that 55% of Americans say their tax refund had a significant impact on their finances — meaning many Americans will feel the effects of a delayed refund.

Filers with complex returns should definitely expect delays. Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may experience waits due to additional verification processes.

It’s not just refunds that could be affected. Lowered staffing levels are expected to impact the IRS’s ability to chase tax cheats: “When you underpay and understaff the IRS, the agency doesn’t have the power or the resources it needs to go after wealthy tax evaders with their high-priced lawyers,” Vanessa Williams, senior fellow at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, told NBC New York.

As of early January, the IRS said it still expects most refunds to be issued in less than 21 days. This could be longer if a filer has a complicated tax situation or a return needs review.

What to do if your refund is delayed

The situation is frustrating. You filed your taxes early. You double-checked the numbers. You’ve been refreshing your bank account like it’s breaking news. So where’s your refund? With potentially millions of Americans experiencing IRS refund delays, sitting back and waiting isn’t your only option. Here’s how to get answers — and possibly speed things up. Check ‘Where’s My Refund?’ (But don’t obsess). You can track the status of your refund using the IRS’ Where’s My Refund? tool. After 21 days have passed, you can also call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. The IRS tool typically updates once per day. If it’s been more than 21 days (or six months for paper returns), it’s time to dig deeper. Call the IRS. Wait times are brutal. But calling 1-800-829-1040 early in the morning gives you the best shot at reaching a human. Be ready with your Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. Review your return for errors. A typo, missing document, or red-flag deduction could be slowing things down. If the IRS needs more info, they’ll send a letter — so watch your mail. Contact a taxpayer advocate. If your refund is stuck in limbo, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) can help. They exist to fight IRS nightmares like yours.

Getting your refund as fast as possible

Filing early is the best way to get your refund in a timely manner, but as tax season progresses, there are other tips for getting your return quickly.

Consider electronic filing versus paper. The IRS says electronic filing is “faster, safer, and more accurate.” This is because your return gets sent straight to the IRS’s computer system.

Choose to have your refund deposited directly into your bank account so you don’t have to wait on a paper check in the mail.

It’s also worth checking your eligibility for the IRS Direct File program, which is currently offered in 25 states and allows taxpayers to file directly with the IRS rather than using a separate tax preparation software. Keeping everything within the confines of the IRS may streamline the process and position you for the quickest possible refund.