Your refund can stay under review for weeks or months, and you will not know the exact timeline until the IRS contacts you

If your tax refund shows "under review" status, the IRS is checking something on your return — usually income verification, identity confirmation, or a discrepancy between what you reported and what their records show. People do receive refunds after being under review, but the wait is unpredictable. Some refunds clear in two weeks; others take several months. The IRS does not publish a standard timeline because each case depends on what triggered the review and how quickly they can verify the information.

The most important thing to understand is that "under review" does not mean your refund is denied or that you did something wrong. It means the IRS needs to confirm something before they release the money. Once they finish their check, they will either approve the refund, ask you for more information, or notify you of a problem. You cannot speed up the review itself, but you can prepare for what comes next.

Key Takeaways

  • Refunds under review are held while the IRS verifies information on your return, and most are eventually approved and sent to you.
  • The review period has no fixed length — it depends on what the IRS is checking and how busy they are, ranging from weeks to several months.
  • You can check your refund status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool, which updates every 24 hours and will tell you when the review is complete.
  • If the IRS needs documents from you, they will mail a notice to the address on your return; do not wait for an email or phone call.
  • Once the review ends, you will receive either your refund, a notice explaining a change, or a request for additional documents.

How long refunds typically stay under review

There is no official IRS timeline for how long a review takes. The agency processes millions of returns, and the review queue moves at different speeds depending on the time of year and the complexity of each case. A straightforward identity verification might clear in two to three weeks. A return with income discrepancies or missing documentation can take two to four months or longer.

The busiest period for the IRS is January through April, when most returns are filed. If your return went under review during tax season, expect a longer wait than if it happened in the summer or fall. The IRS also prioritizes refunds based on the type of review — some checks are faster than others.

People do report receiving refunds after months of waiting. The fact that your refund is under review does not mean it will be denied; it means the IRS is doing additional verification before releasing the money. Patience is the main requirement at this stage.

What triggers a refund to go under review

The IRS places a refund under review for several common reasons. The most frequent is a mismatch between the income you reported and the income records they have on file from employers or financial institutions. This can happen if you forgot to include a 1099 form, if an employer reported your income incorrectly, or if you had income the IRS knows about but you did not report.

Identity verification is another common trigger. The IRS may need to confirm that you are who you say you are, especially if your return was filed electronically and something about it raised a flag. This is a routine security check and does not indicate fraud on your part.

Other reasons include claiming a large refund relative to your income, reporting a loss on a business return, claiming certain tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, or filing from a different address than previous years. The IRS also reviews returns randomly as part of their compliance program. None of these reasons automatically means your refund will be denied — they just mean the IRS wants to verify the information before sending your money.

How to check the status of a refund under review

The IRS Where's My Refund tool is the official way to track your refund status. You can access it on the IRS website by entering your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight. If your refund is still under review, the tool will say so and may give you an estimated completion date, though that date is not may provide.

Do not rely on email or phone calls from the IRS to tell you about a review. The IRS initiates contact by mailing a notice to the address on your return. If you receive an email or phone call claiming to be from the IRS about your refund, it is a scam. Check Where's My Refund instead, or call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 if you have questions.

Check the tool every few days if you are waiting for news, but understand that the status may not change for weeks. Once the review is complete, the tool will update to show either an approval and deposit date, or a notice that you need to take action.

What to do if the IRS requests documents or information

If the IRS needs something from you, they will send a formal notice in the mail. This notice will explain what information they need, why they need it, and the important date for responding. Read the notice carefully and follow the instructions exactly. The important date is real — missing it can result in your refund being denied or reduced.

Common requests include copies of W-2 forms, 1099 forms, receipts for business expenses, proof of dependent status, or documentation of charitable donations. Gather the documents the notice asks for and send them by the important date, either by mail or through the IRS online portal if the notice gives you that option. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

If you cannot find a document the IRS requested, send a letter explaining what you are sending instead and why you cannot provide the original. For example, if you lost a receipt, send a written explanation and any other proof you have, such as a bank statement showing the transaction. The IRS will review what you send and decide whether it is sufficient.

What happens after the review is complete

Once the IRS finishes reviewing your return, one of three things will happen. First, they may approve your refund as filed and deposit it into your bank account or send it by check. This is the most common outcome. Second, they may approve your refund but adjust the amount based on what they found during the review. For example, if they determined you claimed a credit you were not may have access to to, they will reduce your refund by that amount. Third, they may deny your refund entirely or request additional information before making a decision.

If your refund is approved, you will see the deposit date in Where's My Refund. If the amount was adjusted, the IRS will mail you a notice explaining the change and showing the new refund amount. If they need more information, the notice will tell you what to send and by when.

If you disagree with the IRS decision, you have the right to appeal. The notice will explain how to request an appeal and the important date for doing so. You can also contact a tax professional or the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you need help understanding the decision.

Steps to take while waiting for your refund

While your refund is under review, there are a few things you can do. First, do not file an amended return unless the IRS specifically asks you to. Filing an amended return while your original return is under review can complicate the process and delay your refund further. Second, keep all documents related to your return in case the IRS requests them. Third, monitor Where's My Refund regularly but do not call the IRS repeatedly — they cannot speed up the review, and calling ties up phone lines.

If you need the money urgently, look into whether you have other options. Some people take out a small personal loan or ask for help from family while waiting. These are personal decisions, but understand that the review process cannot be rushed regardless of your financial situation.

If more than four months have passed since you filed and your refund is still under review with no update, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service. This is a free IRS service that helps people who are experiencing hardship or whose cases are stuck. You can reach them at 1-877-777-4778.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call the IRS to ask why my refund is under review?

You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, but they may not be able to tell you the specific reason without the notice they mailed to you. The Where's My Refund tool usually gives you more information than a phone representative can. If you have received a notice in the mail, that notice explains the reason and what you need to do.

Will I lose my refund if I do not respond to an IRS notice?

Yes. If the IRS sends you a notice requesting documents or information and you do not respond by the important date, they can deny your refund or reduce it. Always respond to IRS notices, even if you think the request is unfair. You can appeal the decision afterward if you disagree.

How do I know if my refund was denied versus still under review?

Where's My Refund will tell you. If your refund is still under review, it will say so. If it has been denied, the status will change to show that, and the IRS will mail you a notice explaining why. Check the tool regularly and watch your mailbox for official notices.

Can I file my next year's tax return while this year's refund is under review?

Yes. Your current refund review does not prevent you from filing next year's return. However, if the IRS finds a problem with this year's return, it might affect next year's refund as well. File your next return accurately and on time regardless of what is happening with the current review.

What if I moved and did not update my address with the IRS?

If the IRS mailed a notice to your old address and you did not receive it, contact them as soon as possible. Call 1-800-829-1040 and provide your new address. You can also update your address through Where's My Refund or by filing Form 8822-B. Getting your address corrected is important because the IRS will not send your refund until they hear from you if a notice was returned as undeliverable.