Why Am I Not Getting a Tax Refund?

The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2024 (returns filed in 2025).

We’ve all been there – eagerly waiting for that tax refund, only to find out it’s not coming. It can be frustrating, especially when you’re expecting a little extra cash. So, why aren’t you getting a tax refund this year? Let’s break down some common reasons and help you figure out what went wrong.

First, Check Your Refund Status

If you qualify for a federal tax refund but haven’t received it, the first step is to check the status of your refund with the IRS.

Go to Where’s My Refund? at the IRS website to check your refund. (Or you can use the IRS2Go app to check your refund status on your mobile device).

You will need:

Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
Your filing status
The exact refund amount on your return

You’ll be able to check your refund status within 24 hours after the IRS receives your e-filed return, or about four weeks after mailing your paper return. Consider filing your tax return electronically for quicker processing.

How It Works:

Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to see your refund status:

Return Received – The IRS received your return and is processing it.
Refund Approved – The IRS approved your refund and is preparing to issue it by the date shown.
Refund Sent – The IRS sent the refund to your bank or to you in the mail. It may take 5 days for it to show in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.

If your return is delayed or was never received by the IRS, you may need to re-file your tax return. Timely filing can expedite the federal tax refund process and ensure you receive any refunds you are entitled to.

You should only resubmit your tax return if all of these apply:

You are due a refund
You filed on paper more than 6 months ago
Where’s My Refund doesn’t show that the IRS received your return.

Read More: Where’s My State Tax Refund?

5 Common Reasons You Didn’t Get a Refund

If you didn’t qualify for a federal tax refund refund, or never received it, here are a few reasons why that could be:

1. You Are Self-Employed

Millions of Americans are self-employed. If you are one of the many workers who traded in their W2 for a 1099 last year, your tax liability may look different from past tax years.

One of the biggest impacts on your potential refund is how self-employment taxes are calculated and paid.

Instead of having your employer withhold taxes from your paycheck, freelancers must estimate their expected income for the next year and pay quarterly taxes based on that number. If you underestimate your income, you will owe taxes at the end of the year. If you overestimate your income and thus overpay, you may receive a refund.

Note that failure to pay your quarterly estimated taxes on time can result in penalties come tax season.

2. You Didn’t Have Enough Income Withheld on Your Paychecks

Every time you receive your paycheck, a portion of that income is withheld and paid in taxes to the government. When you start a new job, you will fill out a Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate to provide information on your filing status and any withholding allowances.

If the amount of tax withheld throughout the year falls short of your total tax liability, you will owe taxes on the difference.

Tax Tip: Use the IRS tax withholding estimator to calculate how much tax you should have your employer withhold on your paychecks.

3. You’re a Victim of Tax Fraud

Tax season is prime time for scammers to try and weasel you out of your hard earned money. Identify thieves will impersonate the IRS to get your personal information from you so they can file a tax return in your name and steal your refund.

The IRS will never contact you by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. So if you get an email, text or call claiming to be the IRS, it is a scam.

If you are expecting a refund but haven’t received it yet, check the status of your refund directly with the IRS. If the status says Refund Sent and it has been more than a few weeks, you may be a victim of tax fraud.

If you clicked on a link in a scam message, or you shared personal or financial information, report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a free, customized recovery plan.

4. Your Refund Was Used to Offset a Debt

If you are overdue on past tax payments, the IRS can seize your refund to apply it to your debt. This can also apply to other debts including:

Defaulted student loans
Past due child support
Unemployment compensation debt
State income tax obligations

If there are funds leftover after the debt has been paid off, your remaining refund will be issued in a check or direct deposited as originally requested on the return.

5. You Didn’t Claim All the Tax Credits and Deductions You Qualify For

Tax credits and tax deductions can dramatically lower your taxable income and final tax bill. But only if you claim them. The IRS won’t automatically apply credits and deductions you are eligible for. Discover the tax breaks waiting for you with ezTaxReturn!

Start Filing Now!

Additional Factors Affecting Your Tax Refund

Incorrect or Missing Information

Incorrect or missing information on your tax return can significantly impact your tax refund. If the IRS detects errors or discrepancies, they may delay or even reject your refund. To avoid this, double-check your return for accuracy and completeness before submitting it. Ensure that your name, address, Social Security number, and bank account information are correct. If you’re unsure about any information, consider consulting a tax professional or using tax preparation software to guide you through the process.

Unclaimed Federal Tax Refunds

Millions of dollars in federal tax refunds go unclaimed each year. If you’re eligible for a refund but didn’t file a tax return, you can still claim your refund within three years of the original filing deadline. To do this, file a tax return for the relevant year, and the IRS will process your refund. Keep in mind that you may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of income or identity.

Time Limits for Claiming a Refund

There are time limits for claiming a tax refund. Generally, you have three years from the original filing deadline to claim a refund. However, if you’re a victim of identity theft, a member of the military, or affected by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for an extension. It’s essential to check the IRS website to determine the specific time limits that apply to your situation.

Refund Check Issues

If you’re experiencing issues with your refund check, such as a lost or stolen check, you can request a refund trace from the IRS. This process helps the IRS track the status of your refund and determine whether it was deposited or returned. To request a refund trace, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund.

Moving After Filing Your Return

If you move after filing your tax return, it’s crucial to update your address with the IRS and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). This ensures that your refund check is sent to your new address. You can submit a Change of Address Form 8822 to the IRS and the USPS to update your address. This will help prevent delays or issues with your refund.

Get a Bigger Refund, Faster with ezTaxReturn

Get your biggest refund, guaranteed with ezTaxReturn. Our software walks you through filing a return every step of the way. We handle all the forms and math to identify every tax credit and deduction you can claim. Filing your tax return electronically with ezTaxReturn can help you get your federal and state tax refunds faster and minimize errors.