Will My 2026 Tax Refund Be Delayed? 2027 Tax Season FAQs

Refund timing during the 2027 tax season depends on how you file, what credits you claim, and whether the IRS needs to review your return.

Will my tax refund be delayed in 2027?

Most taxpayers receive their federal refund within 21 days of e-filing. However, refunds may be delayed if you claim certain credits, file a paper return, or your return requires additional review.

If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), federal law requires the IRS to hold those refunds until mid-February each year. Filing early is still recommended, but it will not bypass this hold.

Learn more about EITC and ACTC refund delays

How quickly does the IRS issue refunds?

  • Over 90% of refunds are issued within 21 days
  • Some simple returns may be processed faster with direct deposit
  • Paper returns typically take significantly longer

Why can’t the IRS give me an exact refund date?

The IRS provides estimated dates only. The date shown in
Where’s My Refund?
is the date the IRS plans to issue the refund, not when the money will appear in your bank account.

Banks may take 1–5 additional days to post direct deposits. Mailed checks can take longer.

Why did my refund date change in Where’s My Refund?

Refund dates can change as your return moves through IRS processing. This does not automatically mean there is a problem.

Common reasons for a date change include:

  • IRS fraud-prevention or identity verification checks
  • Math or data mismatches
  • Offsets for past-due federal or state debts
  • Manual review of credits or income

Should I call the IRS about my refund?

Calling the IRS will not speed up your refund. You should only contact the IRS if:

  • It has been more than 21 days since you e-filed
  • It has been more than 6 weeks since you mailed a paper return
  • Where’s My Refund specifically instructs you to call

What is the fastest way to get my refund?

  • E-file your return
  • Choose direct deposit
  • Double-check names, SSNs, and bank information

How should I check my refund status?

The best and fastest way is through the IRS’s official tools:

Refund status usually appears within 24 hours after e-filing or about 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.