An official IRS update in 2026 has addressed growing concerns from taxpayers who have not yet received their refunds. The agency explained that while refunds are being issued on a rolling basis, several processing factors are causing delays for a significant number of filers, even as others have already been paid.
What the IRS Clarified in the 2026 Update
The IRS confirmed that refunds have not been paused or canceled. Instead, many returns are undergoing additional review before payment can be released. These reviews are part of routine compliance, fraud prevention, and identity verification processes that must be completed before funds are issued.
Why Millions Haven’t Been Paid Yet
| Processing Factor | IRS Explanation for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Refund Status | Payments released in phases |
| Main Delay Reason | Verification and compliance checks |
| Most Affected Filers | Paper filers and flagged returns |
| E-filed Returns | Faster if error-free |
| Review Completion | Determines payment release timing |
According to the IRS, delays most often occur when returns include discrepancies, missing information, or claims that require manual verification. Returns claiming certain refundable credits or showing income mismatches are more likely to be temporarily held. Paper-filed returns are also taking longer due to manual processing backlogs.
How Filing Method Affects Payment Timing
Taxpayers who filed electronically and selected direct deposit continue to receive refunds more quickly on average. Paper filings require additional handling and data entry, which significantly slows processing, especially during peak filing periods when volumes are high.
IRS Message to Waiting Taxpayers
The agency emphasized that taxpayers should avoid submitting duplicate returns or contacting the IRS unless normal processing timeframes have passed. Refunds are released automatically once reviews are completed, with payments continuing to roll out through systems managed by the Internal Revenue Service.
What Happens Next
As verification queues clear, the IRS expects more refunds to be released steadily over the coming weeks. Taxpayers whose returns are accurate and complete are likely to see payments issued without further action once processing resumes for their case.
Conclusion: The IRS has confirmed that refund delays in 2026 are largely due to verification and processing reviews, with payments continuing to roll out gradually as checks are completed.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official IRS updates, standard refund processing practices, and expected 2026 filing season procedures. Actual refund timing may vary depending on individual return details, filing method, and verification requirements. Taxpayers should rely on official IRS communications for accurate and legally binding information.