Despite many taxpayers e-filing early and expecting refunds in a few weeks, a sizeable number of IRS tax refunds are delayed and will only arrive in September 2025. Various factors—from fraud detection, identity verification, to special credits—are causing delays.
Understanding what slows refunds and when you might receive yours can help you plan better. Here’s a full breakdown.
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric / Situation | Approximate Size / Timeframe | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Number of returns flagged for identity verification | Over 1.9 million returns suspended pending verification as of early 2025 | IRS identity verification processes delay refunds when returns are suspected of identity theft or mismatch. |
| Fraud-flagged refunds prevented | In 2025, over $900 million in fraudulent or improper refunds were stopped by IRS systems | These protections slow down processing for affected returns. |
| EITC / ACTC processing delays | Refunds with these credits often require extra verification; legal holds / required waiting periods apply. | Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit adds steps, especially under IRS fraud prevention rules. |
| Paper vs electronic filing | Paper returns: 4-8 weeks or more, especially if filed late; e-filed returns: generally faster but still subject to flags. | Filing method significantly affects speed. |
| Amended returns (Form 1040-X) | Up to 16 weeks processing (plus additional weeks for payment changes) | Amended returns usually take significantly longer. |
Main Causes of Refund Delays
- Fraud Detection & Identity Verification
The IRS has multiple systems and filters (such as for identity theft, refund fraud) that flag returns. When flagged, a return may be suspended until the taxpayer provides proof of identity or the IRS confirms some data (employer data, prior filings). This process can add weeks or months to the timeline. - Special Tax Credits
Refunds involving Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) often are subject to statutory delays. The law requires checks and verification for these refund items, which means even otherwise simple cases may be held until later. - Errors, Mismatches & Bank/Address Issues
Errors such as incorrect Social Security numbers, mismatched income reported by third parties (W-2s, 1099s), missing signatures, or incorrect bank account details slow processing. Also, if your refund gets rejected for direct deposit because your bank info is wrong, a paper check must be issued instead, adding further delay. - Paper Filing & Amended Returns
Paper returns require manual data entry and often manual error correction. Amended returns (Form 1040-X) also bypass some e-filing speeds and need additional review steps. These take much longer to process. - Offsetting Debts / Outstanding Issues
If you owe federal or state debts (student loans, past-due child support, tax liabilities), your refund may be partially or wholly offset. Also, missing tax returns from previous years can hold things up. If IRS has mailed you a notice about missing info (name/address mismatch, etc.), this also adds delay.
Who Is Most Affected – Profiles Likely to See Refunds in September
- Taxpayers who filed close to the deadline, or used extensions.
- Those who submitted paper returns in July or August. These often take 4-8 weeks or longer.
- Individuals with amended returns (1040-X) or corrections to previously filed forms.
- Filers who claimed EITC/ACTC or whose returns were flagged by IRS filters for fraud or identity verification.
- Those with bank account issues or address/name mismatches.
What to Do & Expected Timeline
| Step | Action | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Check “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov or IRS2Go | Provides status updates | Lets you see if your refund is being held for identity verification or missing info. |
| Respond promptly to any letters/requests from the IRS | If the IRS needs identity verification, wage verification, or documentation ‒ reply quickly | Delay stems largely from waiting for taxpayer response. |
| Use direct deposit and electronic filing | Faster processing, fewer manual steps | Speeds up issuance of refunds. |
| Check bank info and address details are current | Prevents rejection of deposit or returned checks | Mistakes here cause avoidable delays. |
Most refunds not delayed by these issues may arrive within 3 weeks if e-filed, but for those with complications, September becomes a likely month for receiving the funds.
For many taxpayers, September 2025 will be the month some delayed IRS refunds finally arrive. While most refunds go out within three weeks of an electronic filing, those involving identity verification, special credits like EITC/ACTC, paper filing, or errors may be held longer.
By being proactive—filing early, accurately, electronically, and responding to IRS notices quickly—you can help reduce the odds that your refund will be delayed. Keep tabs on your refund status and be prepared for September if you fall into one of the affected categories.
FAQs
Why hasn’t my refund arrived by September if I filed back in March?
If your return was flagged for identity verification or you claimed EITC/ACTC, or if there are mismatches or errors, those flagging steps can delay issuance even many months after filing.
Can I speed up my refund?
Yes — ensure your return is accurate, respond to any IRS notices immediately, file electronically with direct deposit, and make sure your personal & banking info is up to date.
What if I don’t get a refund by September?
You can contact the IRS or Taxpayer Advocate Service. If there’s an outstanding verification requirement, missing information, or offsetting debts, addressing those is essential. Also check the “Where’s My Refund?” tool for any alerts.
