The IRS is processing 2024 returns slower than usual, and certain situations trigger longer holds

The IRS is not behind on all 2024 refunds, but specific circumstances cause delays that can stretch from weeks into months. If you filed early in the year, your refund may have arrived already. If you filed in March or later, or if your return contains certain red flags, you are in the slower queue. The IRS processes returns in batches, and returns flagged for review—because of math errors, missing information, or identity verification needs—sit in a separate line that moves much slower than the standard path.

The single biggest cause of 2024 delays is the IRS's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) hold. Federal law requires the IRS to hold refunds containing these credits until at least February 15 of the year after filing. If you claimed either credit on a 2024 return filed in January, your refund cannot leave the IRS before mid-February, regardless of how complete your return is. This is not a backlog—it is a legal freeze.

Beyond that statutory hold, delays happen because the IRS is understaffed and processing volume is high. Returns that need human review—because of inconsistencies, missing documents, or fraud detection flags—wait in a queue that the IRS estimates at 6 to 12 weeks from the date they flag it. Some returns wait longer if the IRS needs documents from you and you do not respond quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • If your 2024 return claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, the IRS cannot release your refund before mid-February, even if everything else is correct.
  • Returns filed in March or later are processed in a slower batch than early filers, and you should expect 6 to 8 weeks from filing date to refund arrival under normal conditions.
  • The IRS flags returns for review when math does not match, documents are missing, or fraud detection systems see a pattern—and flagged returns wait 6 to 12 weeks or longer.
  • You can check your exact refund status in the IRS Where's My Refund tool, which updates every 24 hours and tells you whether the IRS is holding, reviewing, or processing your return.
  • If the IRS requests documents or information, responding within 30 days is critical—ignoring the request can result in your refund being denied or significantly delayed.

How the IRS processes 2024 returns in waves

The IRS does not process all returns at once. Early filers—those who submitted returns in January and early February—moved through the system first. Returns filed from mid-February onward entered a second wave, and returns filed in March and later are still in the queue. This is normal procedure, not a sign of a problem with your specific return.

Within each wave, the IRS separates returns into two paths: the standard path and the review path. Standard returns—those with no math errors, no missing information, and no fraud flags—process in 21 days on average. Review returns go to a separate team and take 6 to 12 weeks or longer. The IRS does not tell you upfront which path your return is on; you find out by checking Where's My Refund or by receiving a letter asking for more information.

The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit hold affects millions of returns. If you claimed either credit, your refund is legally frozen until February 15, 2025 (for 2024 returns filed in 2024). This is not negotiable and not something the IRS can override. After February 15, your return moves into the standard or review queue depending on whether it has other issues.

Reasons your 2024 refund is stuck in review

The IRS flags a return for review when something does not match their records or when automated fraud detection sees a pattern. Common triggers include a mismatch between the income you reported and what employers reported to the IRS on W-2 forms, a dependent claimed on your return who was also claimed by someone else, missing or incomplete Schedule C if you are self-employed, or a refund amount that seems inconsistent with your income history.

Identity verification is another major reason for review. If the IRS suspects someone filed a return using your Social Security number, they will freeze the refund and send you a letter asking you to verify your identity. This can happen even if you filed the return yourself—the IRS is checking to make sure the person filing is actually you. Verification typically requires you to visit an IRS office in person or to use the IRS's online identity verification tool, which is available through your IRS online account.

Math errors and missing documents also trigger review. If you forgot to sign the return, did not include a required Schedule, or made an arithmetic mistake, the IRS catches it and sends you a notice. You have 30 days to respond. If you do not respond, the IRS can deny the refund or reduce it based on what they can verify from other sources.

What to do if your refund has not arrived after 21 days

First, check the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates every 24 hours and tells you whether the IRS is still processing, has approved your refund, or is holding it for review. If the tool says "Return Received" and more than 21 days have passed since you filed, your return is likely in the review queue.

If Where's My Refund says the IRS is reviewing your return, check your mail. The IRS sends letters when they need more information, and you have 30 days from the date on the letter to respond. Common requests include copies of receipts, proof of income, or verification of dependent information. Respond by the important date. If you miss the important date, the IRS will make a decision based on what they have, and you may lose part or all of your refund.

If Where's My Refund has not updated in more than a week, or if it says "Still Processing" after 21 days, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Wait times are long—call early in the morning on a weekday. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The IRS representative can tell you whether your return is in the standard queue or the review queue, and if it is in review, they can sometimes tell you why.

Identity verification holds and what they mean

If the IRS suspects identity theft or fraud, they will freeze your refund and send you a letter. The letter will tell you to verify your identity either online through your IRS online account or by visiting an IRS Taxpayer information Center in person. Online verification is faster—you can usually complete it in 15 minutes—but you need to set up an IRS online account first if you do not have one.

To verify online, go to irs.gov, create or log into your IRS online account, and look for the identity verification option. You will answer security questions based on your credit history and personal information. If you pass, the IRS removes the hold within 24 hours. If you do not pass, you will be directed to visit an IRS office in person.

In-person verification requires you to bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of your address (a utility bill or lease). You can find your nearest IRS Taxpayer information Center at irs.gov/offices. Bring the letter the IRS sent you. Verification usually takes 30 minutes, and the IRS removes the hold within a few days. Do not ignore this letter—if you do not verify within the timeframe stated, the IRS will deny your refund.

Refund delays caused by dependent or income mismatches

If you claimed a dependent who was also claimed by someone else—a former spouse, a parent, or another relative—the IRS will flag your return. The IRS has records from all returns filed, and when the same dependent appears on two returns, both returns go into review. You will receive a letter asking you to prove you have the right to claim that dependent. Proof usually means a birth certificate, custody order, or a statement from the other person agreeing not to claim the dependent.

Income mismatches happen when what you reported does not match what your employer reported on a W-2, or when you reported self-employment income but the IRS has no record of a business license or prior tax filings. The IRS will ask you to explain the difference or to provide documentation. If the difference is small—a few hundred dollars—the IRS may straightforward adjust your refund and send you the corrected amount. If the difference is large, they will ask for receipts, bank statements, or other proof of income.

These reviews typically take 6 to 8 weeks from the date the IRS sends you the letter. If you respond within 30 days with the requested documents, the review usually moves faster. If you do not respond, the IRS will make a decision based on what they can verify, and you may lose the refund or part of it.

How long delays typically last in 2024

Standard refunds filed in January or early February arrived by mid-March. Returns filed in March are arriving in April and May. Returns filed in April or later are arriving in May and June. These timelines assume no review flags and no EITC or CTC hold. If your return has either of those credits, add at least two weeks to these timelines.

Flagged returns take longer. If the IRS sent you a letter asking for documents, expect 6 to 8 weeks from the date you respond. If you have not received a letter but Where's My Refund says "Under Review," expect 6 to 12 weeks from the filing date. Some returns take longer if the IRS needs to contact third parties—your employer, a bank, or another agency—to verify information.

Identity verification holds usually resolve within a few days if you verify online, or within a week if you verify in person. Do not assume your refund is lost if you see an identity verification hold—it is a security step, and once you complete it, your refund moves forward.

What you can do to speed up the process

If your return is in review, the fastest thing you can do is respond to any IRS letter within 30 days. Do not wait. Gather the documents the letter asks for and mail them or upload them through your IRS online account if that option is available. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you sent them.

If you have not received a letter but Where's My Refund says your return is under review, you cannot speed it up by calling the IRS or visiting an office. The IRS will contact you if they need more information. Calling will not move your return forward and will only add to the wait time for other callers. Check Where's My Refund every few days instead.

If you filed electronically and made an error, you cannot amend the return until the original return is fully processed. Once your refund is issued or denied, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) if needed. Do not file an amended return before the original is resolved—it will only create confusion and delay both returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my refund faster if I call the IRS?

No. The IRS processes returns in the order they were filed and by the type of return (standard or review). Calling does not change your place in the queue. If your return needs documents, the IRS will send you a letter. Respond to that letter, and your return will move forward. Calling without a specific issue will only waste your time and the IRS's.

What if I filed my 2024 return in April and it is now June and I still have not received my refund?

Check Where's My Refund first. If it says "Still Processing," your return is in the standard queue and should arrive within the next few weeks. If it says "Under Review," the IRS is investigating something on your return—check your mail for a letter explaining what they need. If you have not received a letter and Where's My Refund has not updated in more than a week, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

If the IRS asks for documents, do I have to mail them or can I email them?

The letter will tell you how to submit documents. Some letters allow you to upload documents through your IRS online account. Others require you to mail them to an IRS address listed in the letter. Follow the instructions in the letter exactly. If you mail documents, send them certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Keep a copy for yourself.

What happens if I miss the 30-day important date to respond to an IRS letter?

The IRS will make a decision based on the information they have. You may lose part or all of your refund. If you miss the important date, you can still respond and explain why you were late, but the IRS is not required to reopen the case. Respond as soon as you realize you missed the important date—do not wait longer.

Can I file an amended return while my original 2024 return is still being processed?

No. Wait until the original return is fully processed (either approved or denied). Filing an amended return before that will create two separate cases and delay both. Once your original refund is issued or denied, you can file Form 1040-X if you need to make changes.