IRS Delays: These Tax Returns and Refunds Are the Most Likely to Get Held Up in 2026

We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. Learn more.

Taxes Tax Refund Share Share Close Mail Page URL https://money.com/tax-refund-delays-2026/ Link copied! IRS Delays: These Tax Returns and Refunds Are the Most Likely to Get Held Up in 2026 By: Liliana Hall Liliana Hall Reporter | Joined March 2025 Liliana Hall joined Money in 2025. She is an Austin-based reporter for Money, where she covers a range of topics, including financial news, policy, banking, investing, passive income, financial planning and student loan debt. Has also written: From Baristas to Influencers, These 68 Jobs Qualify for ‘No Tax on Tips’ How Much Is an Olympic Medal Worth? Record Gold and Silver Prices Are Driving Up Their Value Peer Pressure Is Making You Broke. Here Are 7 Ways to Set Smarter Money Boundaries How Does Your 401(k) Match Stack Up Against the Average? How to Claim Your $20 Credit After Last Week's Verizon Outage See full bio Editor: Julia Glum Julia Glum Managing Editor | Joined February 2018 A graduate of the University of Florida, Julia has more than six years of experience in personal finance journalism. In addition to overseeing news and newsletters, she leads Money’s tax coverage, which includes extensive reporting on tax credits, policy changes and the IRS. Has also written: How to File Taxes for Free This Year From New Deductions to Bigger Refunds, Here Are 8 Major Tax Changes in 2026 When Social Security Recipients Will Get Their Checks in February Time Is Running Out to Make These End-of-Year Money Moves Here Are 20 Money Books, Podcasts and Platforms That Financial Pros Swear By See full bio Published: Feb 18, 2026 1:20 p.m. EST 3 min read Money; Getty Images If you were counting on a quick tax refund to pay for an upcoming renovation or family vacation, you may be disappointed. A Jan. 26 report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, an independent watchdog, warns that the processing of some tax returns could be delayed due to IRS staffing shortages and backlogs. The IRS says it expects to receive about 164 million tax returns for the 2025 tax year before the April 15 deadline. However, according to the memo, the IRS still needs to process nearly 2 million unresolved tax cases from previous years with a workforce that has shrunk by roughly 27%. Combine that with the executive order requiring federal agencies to phase out paper checks, and you’ve got a recipe for delays. IRS-approved: Learn how E-file.com can help with your taxes this year. So which returns are most likely to be held up? Anything that requires manual handling, including paper filings, amended returns and returns flagged for identity verification or mismatched income. Straightforward e-filed returns with direct deposit refunds or payments are still likely to be processed on time, particularly for early filers who submit before peak filing season in March and April. There are exceptions. For instance, the IRS can't issue refunds before mid-February to taxpayers who claim the earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit on their returns. And if you’re expecting a refund via paper check, you can all but count on a delay. Last year, roughly 6 million refunds — about 7% of the total — were issued by check. But in an effort to modernize payments, the IRS now will freeze refunds for six weeks unless the taxpayer supplies their bank account information for direct deposit. Only after those six weeks will the agency issue a paper check. Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdRated A+ by the BBBGet StartedTax solutions for consumers with over $10,000 in owed taxes. Save money on your taxes, or get 100% of your fees back—guaranteed Discover your tax reduction options with a free, no-obligation eligibility analysis Provide comprehensive support for federal and state tax challenges 10+ years of expert tax resolution experience Trusted A+ rating from the BBB Over 15 years of ExperienceGet StartedAssisting Taxpayers with $15,000 or more in Tax Debt Trusted Nationwide, 4.9★ Client Rating Free Consultation & Direct IRS Access Elite Team of Tax Pros: Attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents 12+ years of tax resolution experienceGet StartedTax solutions for consumers with over $10,000 in owed taxes 12+ years of tax resolution experience Free consultation with a tax resolution professional BBB Torch Award for Ethics (two-time winner) 21+ years in serviceGet StartedSpecialize in individual & corporate tax relief over $20,000 23+ years in service A+ Rating with the BBB 15 Day Money Back Guarantee Helps resolve back taxes, fight penalties and liens, stop collection efforts, and file accurate returns Get StartedHelping Taxpayers Resolve Tax Debt of $10,000+ Get a Free Tax Relief Assessment Expert IRS Representation Stop Collections & Garnishments Explore Options to Resolve Tax Debt How you can avoid tax refund delays The best way to help your refund arrive on time is to double-check your return before filing, making sure that all forms — W-2s, 1099s and other income documents — match what you reported and that your bank routing and account numbers are correct. You should also set up access to an IRS Online Account for easy access to your tax records and any notices that might require your attention. Finally, take advantage of available tools such as “Where’s My Refund?” to track the status of your refund. You can see updates as soon as 24 hours after e-filing or about four weeks after submitting a paper return. The bottom line: Filing electronically with direct deposit remains the most reliable way to avoid delays this tax season, according to the IRS. Can't Miss DealsCheck out Robinhood's online trading platform and get the first trade on themGet your first year of AARP for just $1574% off NordVPN right now — plus an Amazon gift card