Understanding What 'Your Taxes Are Being Processed' Really Means

If you’ve filed your tax return and are checking the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund” tool, you’ve likely encountered a message stating that your return is in process. But what does this status actually mean, and should you be concerned? The short answer is no—this message is actually good news about your refund status.

When your taxes are being processed, it means the IRS has received your filing and is reviewing it to verify accuracy before issuing your refund. According to Howard Samuels, a certified public accountant at New Jersey-based Samuels & Associates, “The fact that the IRS got your tax return means you don’t have to worry that there was an issue with them receiving it.” The message you’re seeing indicates your check, direct deposit, or e-refund is likely on its way.

What This Status Actually Tells You

The “processing” status serves as confirmation that your submission made it through the system. Historically, the IRS has been able to process most returns and distribute refunds within 21 calendar days of receipt. Your personalized refund date will become available once the IRS completes its review and approves your filing. While the hurry-up-and-wait experience can feel frustrating—especially if the message lingers for weeks—it’s a standard part of the tax cycle rather than a red flag.

The good news is that seeing this notification means the most critical step has already happened: the IRS has your paperwork, and the wheels are in motion. Once they finish their verification process, your refund should follow without additional action needed on your part.

Why Some Returns Take Longer Than Others

Not all tax filings move through the system at the same speed. If you haven’t received your refund despite filing more than a month ago, several factors could be causing the delay.

Common reasons for longer processing times include:

• Your return is missing required forms or contains incomplete information
• Calculation errors or discrepancies between reported income and claimed refund amounts
• Mismatches between your Social Security Number and IRS records
• Indicators of potential identity theft
• Filing an amended return, which requires additional review

Understanding these potential issues can help you anticipate delays. If your situation involves any of these factors, you might need to contact the IRS or wait for them to reach out to you for clarification.

Steps to Prevent Processing Delays

There are practical measures you can take to keep your return moving smoothly through the system. File your return online rather than by mail, choose direct deposit for faster fund delivery, and take time to verify that all information is accurate before submitting. Don’t forget to sign your return, and make sure it’s sent to the correct IRS processing center for your region.

If you suspect your processing is taking longer than it should, contact the IRS directly. Timing matters here—according to data from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, taxpayers had only a 1 in 9 chance of reaching an agent last year, with average wait times of 23 minutes for those who got through.

“Your best approach is to call first thing in the morning when the IRS opens at 7 a.m. ET,” Samuels recommends. “Some people also have success calling later in the evening around 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. Eastern, right before they close at 7 p.m.”

The Bottom Line on Tax Processing Status

When your taxes are being processed, it’s simply confirmation that your filing is under review and moving toward resolution. Rather than viewing this status as a warning, recognize it as evidence that everything is working as intended. Stay patient, avoid unnecessary calls unless there’s a specific issue, and trust that your refund will arrive once the IRS completes their standard verification procedures.