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

IRS backlogs and fewer workers mean some refunds could take weeks longer this tax season.

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.

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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.

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