IRS - Tax Return Processing Times

As of early February 2026 (during the 2026 tax filing season for tax year 2025 returns), the IRS provides these key processing time estimates based on official sources like the IRS processing status page and recent announcements. Times apply to original returns unless noted; complexities (e.g., errors, reviews, credits like Earned Income Tax Credit/Additional Childhood Tax Credit, or amendments) can extend them significantly. While the below timelines are not a guarantee, they are likely to be accurate based off of prior year(s) processing times.

Individual Returns (e.g., Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR)

• Electronically filed (e-file) original returns: Generally processed within 21 days (often fewer than 3 weeks, with many refunds issued in 10–21 days or less via direct deposit). This is the fastest method.

  • Refund status appears in the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. 24 hours after e-file acceptance.

• Paper-filed original returns: Typically 6 weeks or more (up to 8+ weeks). The IRS prioritizes paper returns expecting refunds but processes them slower due to manual handling. I personally, would not recommend this method. I would avoid doing “Paper” business with the IRS at all costs. Unfortunately, in some cases, it is still necessary. If you have to amend a return 2022 and prior, you must submit a paper copy to the IRS.

  • Current status (per IRS dashboard): Processing original paper Form 1040 returns received in January 2026.

  • Refund status in Where’s My Refund? appears ~4 weeks after mailing.

• Refunds overall:

  • Most issued in fewer than 21 days for e-file + direct deposit.

  • Paper checks (phased out for most since late 2025) or mailed refunds take longer.

  • Earned income credits/Additional Child Tax Credit refunds: Often held for review; available by March 2, 2026 for direct deposit with no issues; projected dates shown in Where’s My Refund? by Feb. 21 for early filers.

• Amended individual returns (Form 1040-X): Average over 5 months (based on FY 2025 data for ~3.7 million processed); up to 16 weeks in some guidance, though backlogs persist. Take the processing time into account when considering if you want to amend a prior year return. Also take into account that there is a much higher likelihood an actual IRS agent will review your return (majority of returns are not physically looked at unless selected during phase 1 of the audit process).

• About 3.6 million refunds in recent seasons exceeded normal times (average 7 weeks for delayed e-filers, 14 weeks for paper). Delays common for errors, identity verification, fraud checks, or manual reviews.

Business Returns

• Electronically filed original returns (e.g., Form 1120 series for corporations, Form 1065 partnerships, Form 1120-S S-corps): Generally processed within 21 days.

• Paper-filed original returns: Longer (similar to individual paper; often 6+ weeks or more).

  • Current status (per IRS dashboard): Processing original paper Form 1120 series received in January 2026.

• Amended business returns: Significant delays; average over 13 months (based on FY 2025 data for ~1.6 million processed). Backlogs are more pronounced here than for individuals. There are the least amount of IRS Agents in these divisions (business return divisions), likely causing the large backlogs.

• Employment/excise/payroll returns (e.g., Form 941 quarterly): Original e-filed generally within 21 days; paper varies (e.g., processing December 2025 receipts now).

• Other business forms (e.g., extensions via Form 7004): Automatic if timely filed; no extended processing needed.

General Tips to Minimize Delays

• E-file + direct deposit is strongly recommended for speed

• Use Where’s My Refund? (irs.gov/where’s-my-refund)

• For amended returns, use Where’s My Amended Return?

• Track via IRS Individual Online Account or call 800-829-1040 (wait times vary).