Don’t miss your refund: IRS flags missing details that could delay payments weeks

The IRS has warned millions of taxpayers that missing details in their tax returns can delay refunds for weeks. This problem mainly affects people who file their taxes by mail instead of online. A new tax rule is causing these delays, especially when important information is missing. The IRS plans to send over 830,000 notices to people who did not include their bank account details.


These notices are sent because bank details are needed to send refunds through direct deposit. Without bank details, the IRS cannot process refunds quickly. Two Democratic leaders, Danny Davis and Terri Sewell, questioned the IRS about refund delays. They raised concerns in a letter to IRS acting commissioner Scott Bessent. They said the new system is making people wait much longer for refunds. According to them, people may have to wait months to get refunds by paper check.

Missing bank details cause delay

They also said there is no easy way to quickly request a paper check refund. Taxpayers must wait at least 10 weeks if they want a paper check. The IRS is not allowing people to update bank details through phone calls. Instead, people must log in to their online IRS account to update details. They must do this within 30 days after getting the notice.


ALSO READ: Millions can still claim IRS refunds as deadline nears, act before it’s too late

Paper check takes more time

The notice sent by IRS is called CP53E. If people do not respond to this notice, they will still get a paper check. But this paper check will take much longer to arrive. Earlier, refunds usually came in about 3 weeks for online filing. Now, paper check refunds can take around 10 weeks or more. In 2025, Donald Trump signed an order to slowly stop using paper checks.

New rule creates problems

The reason given was high costs, delays, fraud risks, lost payments, and inefficiency. Davis and Sewell said this decision is causing problems for millions of people. They said the delays are creating “undue hardship” for taxpayers. They also said this delay is not required by tax law. Some people prefer paper checks instead of bank transfers. This includes people who do not trust banks or financial systems. It also affects people who do not have bank accounts at all.

According to a 2023 report, about 5.6 million Americans do not have bank accounts. Certain groups like Amish and Mennonites avoid banks due to religious beliefs. Some domestic violence survivors also avoid sharing bank details for safety reasons. Because of this rule, these vulnerable groups are facing longer delays. Most Americans (about 94%) already use direct deposit for tax refunds. But those who don’t use it are now the most affected by the delay.

FAQs

Q1. Why is my IRS tax refund delayed?

Your refund may be delayed if you did not add bank details or filed by mail, which slows the process.

Q2. How long does a paper check refund take from IRS?

A paper check refund can take around 10 weeks or even longer to arrive.