How Long Will My Tax Return Be Pending?
Understand the variables that determine your tax return's processing time and gain clarity on the different stages of the IRS review process.
After filing your tax return, the term “pending” or “processing” means the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has received your return but has not yet completed its review and approved the refund. This is a standard part of the procedure for every tax return filed. The time between submission and receiving your money can vary, and understanding the typical timelines and the factors that influence them provides a clearer picture.
Standard Processing Timelines
The method used to file a tax return is the primary determinant of its processing speed. Taxpayers who file electronically and opt for direct deposit can expect to receive their refund within 21 days, assuming the return is free of errors. This automated process allows computer systems to quickly verify the submitted information. The timeframe begins from the date the IRS officially accepts the return.
Filing a paper return through the mail extends the timeline, as these returns must be manually entered into IRS systems. Taxpayers who mail their Form 1040 can expect to wait six weeks or more for their refund. This period accounts for mail delivery, sorting, and manual data transcription. Choosing to receive a paper check instead of a direct deposit will add more time to either scenario.
Factors That Extend Processing Time
Several issues can cause delays beyond the standard timeframes. Simple mistakes are a frequent cause, including mathematical errors, an incorrect Social Security number, or forgetting to include forms like W-2s. An incomplete return forces the IRS to halt processing and correspond with the taxpayer by mail to request the missing information, which adds weeks to the timeline.
Certain tax credits trigger a more thorough review that extends the processing period. Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are subject to a legally mandated delay. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act requires the IRS to hold refunds for returns claiming these credits until at least mid-February to provide more time to detect and prevent fraud.
Another reason for a prolonged pending status is the selection of a return for identity verification. If IRS systems flag a return for potential identity theft, the agency will send a Letter 5071C or similar notice, requiring the taxpayer to confirm their identity before the refund can be released. Filing an Injured Spouse Allocation on Form 8379 also adds processing time. When filed with a joint return, this form can extend the wait by 11 weeks for e-filed returns and 14 weeks for paper returns.
Using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” Tool
The best way to monitor your return is through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app. To access the system, you must have three pieces of information from your tax return: your Social Security Number, your filing status, and the precise refund amount. This information is required to securely identify your tax account and provide an accurate status.
The tool is available within 24 hours after the IRS accepts an e-filed return or about four weeks after you mail a paper return. The system displays progress through three stages: “Return Received,” “Refund Approved,” and “Refund Sent.” “Return Received” confirms the IRS has your return and is processing it. “Refund Approved” indicates the review is finished and provides a scheduled payment date. “Refund Sent” confirms payment has been issued, though it may take a few business days for direct deposits to appear in your account.
Addressing Extended Delays
If your refund has been pending longer than the standard processing times, direct contact with the IRS may be necessary. You should only contact the IRS if it has been more than 21 days since you received your e-file acceptance notification, more than six weeks since you mailed a paper return, or if the “Where’s My Refund?” tool explicitly instructs you to do so.
When you call the IRS at 800-829-1040, be prepared with your documents. You will need a copy of the tax return in question, your Social Security card, and any correspondence the IRS has sent you. This step should be viewed as a final option after automated tools have failed to provide clarity.