As the 2026 tax filing season moves forward, many Americans are noticing that their federal tax refunds are taking longer than expected to arrive. While the IRS typically issues most refunds within three weeks of receiving a return, some taxpayers will not receive their money until March.
This delay is not due to system problems or mistakes. Instead, it is part of a federal process designed to prevent fraud and ensure accurate payments.
The Main Reason for the Delay
The biggest factor behind these postponed refunds is a law that requires the IRS to hold refunds for taxpayers who claim certain refundable tax credits. These include credits that provide financial support to low- and middle-income households, especially families with children.
Because these credits often result in larger refund amounts, the IRS must take extra time to verify income information and eligibility before releasing payments. This added review helps prevent identity theft, false claims, and incorrect refunds.
How Long the Delay Lasts
Although the IRS cannot release these refunds in early February, most eligible taxpayers should begin seeing their money deposited in early to mid-March, assuming their tax returns were filed electronically, chosen for direct deposit, and contain no errors.
Paper returns or returns requiring additional review may take longer.
Other Reasons Refunds May Be Slower This Year
Besides the credit verification process, several other factors can impact refund timing:
Returns with mistakes or missing information often require manual review
Identity verification checks may slow processing
Paper filings take significantly longer than electronic submissions
High volume during peak filing season can cause minor delays
Even small errors, such as incorrect bank details, can push refunds back by several weeks.
What Taxpayers Can Do to Avoid Delays
To receive refunds as quickly as possible, taxpayers should:
File electronically instead of mailing paper forms
Choose direct deposit for faster payments
Double-check income numbers and personal information
Respond quickly if the IRS requests additional verification
These steps greatly reduce the chances of refund processing issues.
Why the IRS Uses These Holds
The IRS introduced these refund holds to protect taxpayers and the tax system. In previous years, billions of dollars were lost to fraudulent refund claims. By delaying refunds that include high-risk credits, the IRS has significantly reduced improper payments.
While waiting longer can be frustrating, the process ensures refunds are accurate and secure.
Final Thoughts
If your tax refund is being held until March, it does not mean there is a problem with your return. In most cases, it simply means the IRS is completing required checks related to refundable tax credits or processing volume.
Most taxpayers will still receive their refunds within a reasonable time frame once verification is complete.