IRS Refund Delayed in the Last Week of April 2025: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has confirmed substantial processing delays for tax refunds originally scheduled for the last week of April 2025. These unexpected setbacks impact approximately 2.3 million taxpayers across the United States.
Why Is the IRS Refund Delayed in April 2025?
The IRS has cited several key reasons for these delays, including system upgrades, enhanced fraud detection protocols, and a significant increase in last-minute tax return submissions. Below, we explore these factors in detail.
IRS System Modernization and Technical Upgrades
One of the primary causes of the delay is the IRS’s ongoing Legacy Systems Modernization Initiative. This program aims to replace outdated infrastructure with cloud-based, digital processing platforms for faster and more secure transactions.
IRS Commissioner Marcus Reynolds explained that the transition has required periodic system downtimes, leading to temporary backlogs in tax return processing. While these changes promise long-term improvements, they have caused short-term disruptions in refund disbursements.
Enhanced IRS Fraud Detection Measures
To combat an increase in fraudulent refund claims, the IRS has introduced stricter verification procedures. These measures have added 3-5 extra days to the processing time for about 35% of tax returns.
Some high-risk indicators targeted by the IRS’s new fraud detection algorithms include:
- Sudden and significant changes in reported income
- New dependents added to a return
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) claims lacking sufficient documentation
- Returns filed from suspicious or previously flagged IP addresses
Although these additional security measures protect taxpayers from identity theft and fraud, they have also contributed to longer processing times.
Unprecedented Surge in Late Tax Filings
The IRS experienced a 22% increase in tax return submissions between April 1 and April 15, 2025, compared to the previous year. This unexpected volume of last-minute filings has strained processing resources, compounding existing delays caused by system upgrades.
Treasury Department spokesperson Sophia Martinez acknowledged the issue, stating that the combination of modernization efforts and high-volume submissions created a “perfect storm” for refund delays.
Updated IRS Refund Timeline: When Will You Get Your Money?
The IRS has provided the following estimated timelines for delayed refunds:
- Returns processed before April 20: Minimal delays; most refunds issued within the standard 21-day timeframe.
- Returns processed April 20-25: Expect 5-10 extra business days for refund disbursement.
- Returns processed April 26-30: Delays of 10-15 business days beyond the standard timeline.
- Paper-filed returns received in April: Potential 4-6 week delays due to manual processing.
Note: Direct deposit remains the fastest method to receive refunds, while paper checks may take an additional 7-10 days for mail delivery.
How to Check Your IRS Refund Status
If you’re affected by the delay, you can verify your refund status using these official IRS tools:
1. IRS “Where’s My Refund?” Online Tool
The Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov provides real-time updates on refund processing. You’ll need:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
- Your filing status (Single, Married, etc.)
- The exact refund amount claimed on your tax return
This tool now includes specific status designations related to the April delays, such as:
- Processing – Standard Timeline (no delays expected)
- Processing – Extended Review (under additional fraud verification)
- Processing – System Delay (affected by IRS system upgrades)
- Approved – Payment Scheduled (refund is finalized and pending deposit)
2. IRS2Go Mobile App
The IRS2Go app (available for iOS and Android) offers the same refund tracking features as the online tool, with added push notifications for status updates.
3. Automated IRS Refund Hotline
Taxpayers without internet access can check their refund status by calling the IRS refund hotline at 800-829-1954.
4. Tax Professional Assistance
Authorized tax professionals can check refund delays through the Practitioner Priority Service if they have the necessary IRS authorization (Form 8821 or Power of Attorney).
Can You Request Expedited Processing for Your Refund?
The IRS provides expedited processing options for taxpayers facing financial hardship. If your refund delay is causing immediate economic difficulties, you can request faster processing by:
- Calling the IRS Economic Hardship Line at 800-829-1040
- Providing documentation of hardship (e.g., eviction notice, medical emergency, or utility shutoff notice)
- Verifying your identity through additional security checks
Expedited requests are approved only in severe financial situations and typically reduce processing delays by 50-70%.
Will the IRS Extend the Tax Filing Deadline?
Despite the delays, the April 15, 2025, tax deadline remains unchanged. However, taxpayers can request a six-month filing extension using Form 4868.
Important Points About Filing Extensions:
- Extensions only provide extra time to file, not extra time to pay taxes owed.
- Interest and penalties apply to unpaid taxes after April 15.
- Extensions do not affect refund processing priority once filed.
Beware of IRS Refund Scams During Delays
Scammers often target taxpayers experiencing refund delays. Common scams include:
- Fake IRS calls demanding a processing fee to “release” refunds
- Phishing emails asking for personal information to “verify” refund status
- Fraudulent text messages with fake refund tracking links
- Social media refund loan ads with excessive fees
IRS Reminder: The IRS never contacts taxpayers via email, text, or social media regarding refunds. If you receive a suspicious message, report it immediately at phishing@irs.gov.
Future IRS Improvements for Faster Refund Processing
The IRS assures taxpayers that once the modernization is complete, refund processing times will improve significantly. Expected benefits include:
- Faster processing, reducing standard refund time from 21 days to 14 days
- Advanced fraud detection with fewer false positives
- More detailed tracking updates for taxpayers
- Improved digital tools to resolve refund issues without needing IRS phone support
These upgrades, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, mark the most extensive IRS system overhaul in over 60 years.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Do Next?
If your refund is delayed, the best approach is to regularly check your status using official IRS tools. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, consider applying for expedited processing.
Most importantly, remain cautious of potential scams and rely only on IRS.gov for refund-related information.
For further assistance, contact the IRS taxpayer help line at 800-829-1040 during business hours.
