Refund Delays And Tax Credits — What You Need To Know

Main Points

• Check your refund status online or by phone.
• Open and read all IRS letters.
• File a tax return to claim credits.
• Veterans injured in combat may be owed money.
• Free help is available — don’t be afraid to ask.

Refund Delays

Why Is My Refund Late?

There are many reasons you may not have your refund yet:

• The IRS is still processing your return.
  • Wait 4 weeks if you filed online.
  • Wait 6-8 weeks if you mailed it.
  • Amended (changed) returns take longer.
• The IRS is taking a closer look at your return. This may happen if:
  • You got advance Child Tax Credit payments last year.
  • This is your first return in years — or ever.
  • The IRS thinks someone may have stolen your identity.
• The IRS found a mistake.
  • They will send you a letter explaining the problem.
• Your refund was lost or stolen.
• The U.S. Treasury used your refund to pay a debt, such as:
  • Back taxes
  • Child support
  • Defaulted student loans
  • Other federal debts

How Can I Check My Refund?

Try one of these:

• Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool online.
• Call the IRS at (800) 829-1040.
• Use the IRS2Go mobile app.

The IRS Says They Sent It — But I Didn’t Get It

You can ask for a refund trace.

• Call (800) 829-1954, or call 800-829-1040 if married filing jointly, or
• Fill out Form 3911 and mail it to the IRS service center where you file your taxes.

If You Get A Letter From The IRS

Don’t panic. Follow these steps:

• Open the letter. It is not an arrest warrant.
• Read it carefully.
• Respond by the deadline, if it asks you to.
• Get help if needed.

You can ask for help from:

• A Low Income Taxpayer Clinic
• The Taxpayer Advocate Service

Tax Credits

What Is A Tax Credit?

A tax credit lowers the amount of tax you owe. Some credits can also give you money back.

There are two types:

Refundable Credits

• You get the full credit if you owe no taxes.
• If you owe taxes, the credit pays that first.
• You get any extra money as a refund.

Nonrefundable Credits

• You must owe taxes to use the credit.
• It lowers what you owe.
• You do not get extra money back.

Main Tax Credits For 2025

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

A refundable credit for workers with low or moderate income.

You could get up to:

• $8,046 for 3 or more children
• $7,152 for 2 children
• $4,328 for 1 child
• $649 for no children

Child Tax Credit

• Worth up to $2,200 per child
• Up to $1,700 is refundable

Child And Dependent Care Credit

Helps pay for care so you can work or look for work.

• For children under 13 or dependents with disabilities
• Up to $3,000 in expenses (one child)
• Up to $6,000 (two or more)

This credit is not refundable.

How Do I Get These Credits?

• File a tax return.
• Even if you do not owe taxes or have income, you may still get money back.

If you need help, check your local “Filing Your Taxes” resources or talk to a trained tax preparer.

How Much Could I Get?

You may receive:

• Between $1,750 and $3,200 or more

How Do I Claim It?

• Follow the steps in the letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
• If you did not get a letter but think you qualify, you can still file a claim.
• Check the IRS website for instructions.

Important Deadlines

You must mail your claim by the later of:

• 1 year from the DoD letter date, or
• 3 years after the original tax return due date for that year, or
• 2 years after you paid the tax for that year

Do not wait. Deadlines matter.

Find Help

Low Income Taxpayer Clinics can help you:

• Understand your rights
• Claim credits
• Fix tax problems

The IRS website lists clinics by state.

In New Hampshire

Call 800-639-5290 to apply for help from 603 Legal Aid’s tax clinic.