Should I be worried if my refund is still being processed?
Asked by: Jefferey Streich | Last update: November 16, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (71 votes)
If your refund details state that it's still processing, you can check your tax return to see if you catch any errors. If your refund status instructs you to contact the IRS, you can speak to an agent to get clarification by calling 1-800-829-1040.
Why is my refund stuck on still processing?
The IRS can delay your tax refund until it completes any audits. This is most common when the IRS is conducting a mail audit on your EITC or ACTC return from a prior year. Normally, you'll receive IRS Letter CP88 indicating that your refund is frozen until the IRS completes the audit.
Does still being processed mean approved?
If their refund status changes from “being processed” status to “still being processed” status, the issue detected in the tax forms was likely resolved and the refund may be released when it is approved for a future cycle date.
How long after a refund is processed, is it approved?
IRS approval: The IRS works to review and approve refunds quickly and efficiently. In fact, historically, more than 9 out of 10 refunds are processed and approved within 21 days of e-file acceptance.
How long does it take when it says your refund is being processed?
Refund processing by the tax department starts only after the return is e-verified by the taxpayer. Usually, it takes 4-5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the account of the taxpayer.
IRS Still Being Processed Tax Refund Status
How long should it take for a refund to be processed?
The bank cannot issue an immediate refund as the request has to be authorized by the merchant first. Once the merchant approves your request, they will give their bank authorization to return the funds to your account. The process typically takes between 3–10 business days.
How many days will it take after processed with refund due?
Refunds are issued within 20-45 days after processing of ITR by the CPC Department of Income Tax. 'e-File'>'Income Tax Returns'>'View Filed Returns'.
How long does it take to get your refund after it's approved?
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 happens when your refund is being processed?
This means the IRS has your tax return and is processing it. Your personalized refund date will be available as soon as the IRS finishes processing your return and confirms that your refund has been approved. Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days.
What are the stages of refund status?
The tool includes a tracker that displays progress through 3 stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved and (3) Refund Sent.
Why hasn't my refund been approved yet?
An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.
Does "processed" mean "completed"?
finished. (of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state.
What does it mean when your money is being processed?
Does processed mean paid? Processed does not necessarily mean paid. If the bank says a transaction has been processed, that can mean that it has been authorized and authenticated but not yet settled - meaning, the seller may not see the funds in their account yet.
Does still being processed mean something is wrong?
As the return is processed, whether filed electronically or on paper, it may be delayed because it has a mistake, is missing information, or is flagged because of suspected identity theft or fraud. The IRS will fix the return without contacting the taxpayer if it can.
Should I be worried if my tax return is under review?
Bottom Line. Being selected for a tax return review doesn't mean it's time to panic. If you're worried about the possibility of an audit, getting all of your income statements, receipts and other tax-related documents organized during the review process can save you some time and headaches.
What to do if it's been 21 days and still processing?
- It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed.
- Where's My Refund? tells you to contact them.
What happens when a refund is processed?
The refund amount is deducted from your outstanding balance, and your available credit is increased by the same amount. The refund may appear as a credit on your statement or as a separate transaction. Some issuers may also send you a notification or email when a refund is processed.
Is being processed the same as accepted?
Your return being “accepted” simply means that it hasn't been rejected by the IRS computers because, for example, you forgot to sign it, or you omitted your Social Security Number, or reasons like that. It has nothing to do with the processing of the return. Once it's “accepted”, it's put in line to be processed.
How long after refund is processed is it approved?
Generally, the IRS aims to process tax returns and issue refunds within 21 days, particularly for returns filed electronically. Sometimes, refunds can be issued in as little as 10 days. However, paper filed returns may take four weeks or more due to manual processing.
Where's my refund delay?
Some tax returns require more time to review, and this can delay a refund. It takes longer to process a return if: The tax return has errors, requires additional review or is incomplete. The return needs a correction to the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.
How long does it take for refunds to process on a debit card?
A refund on a debit card typically takes one to 10 business days, influenced by merchant and bank processing times. Accurate information expedites refunds; incorrect details can cause delays or processing issues. Delays can occur due to merchant processing, incorrect information, and technical difficulties.
What if my tax refund was sent to the bank but not received?
The IRS will send you a CP237A if the tax refund check they sent you was never deposited. If you received this notice, call 1-800-829-0115 to claim your refund. In most cases, you will get your refund within 30 days of contacting the IRS.
How long does a processed refund take?
Refunds to debit cards tend to take between two and five business days, but it can take up to 30 days depending on the company issuing the refund.
How long can my refund be processing?
The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit. However, some returns have errors or need more review and may take longer to process.
How long should it take for a return to be processed?
ITR processing time: Tax experts advise that usually, it takes an average of 15-45 days from the date of e-verification of the ITR for income tax returns to be processed. As per the regulation, income tax returns must be processed within nine months of the end of the fiscal year after you file them.