What's the longest a tax refund can take?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 19, 2026
If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.
What is the longest your tax refund can take?
COVID-19 Processing DelaysIt's taking us longer than normal to process mailed correspondence and more than 21 days to issue refunds for certain mailed and e-filed 2020 tax returns that require review. Thank you for your patience. The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.
Why is my tax return refund taking so long?
What's Taking So Long? If you don't receive your refund in 21 days, your tax return might need further review. This may happen if your return was incomplete or incorrect. The IRS may send you instructions through the mail if it needs additional information in order to process your return.Why is my refund still processing after 3 months?
Reasons Your Tax Refund Can Be DelayedMissing information. A need for additional review. Possible identity theft or tax fraud. A claim for an earned income tax credit or an additional child tax credit.