5 Paperwork Errors That Delay Refunds for Weeks

tax return paperwork mistakes that delay refunds — Image Source: Shutterstock

The IRS processes millions of tax returns per hour during peak season, relying on automated filters to approve refunds. When a return passes these filters, the money is sent within 21 days. When a return fails a filter due to a “paperwork error,” it is pulled out of the digital line and placed in a manual review pile. In 2026, due to staffing changes and system updates, that manual pile is moving more slowly than ever.

The tragedy is that most of these delays are caused by tiny, unforced errors. A single transposed digit or a misspelled middle name can turn a three-week wait into a six-month ordeal. You cannot afford to be sloppy with your data entry this year. The “Human Review” department is the last place you want your file to end up. Here are the five most common paperwork errors that are freezing refunds right now.

1. The Routing Number Typo

It sounds obvious, but it remains the number one cause of tragic delays. If you mistype your bank’s 9-digit routing number by one digit, the IRS sends your money to the wrong bank or a non-existent account. While the IRS used to automatically flip these to paper checks, new identity theft protocols often flag these rejected deposits for fraud review first.

Instead of a check arriving in a week, your account might be frozen until you verify your identity and correct the banking info through the online portal. This adds weeks of administrative back-and-forth. Triple-check every single digit against a check (not a deposit slip) before hitting submit.

2. The “Prior Year AGI” Guess

To sign your e-filed return, you must enter your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your prior year’s tax return. This acts as your digital PIN. Millions of taxpayers guess this number or use the AGI from two years ago, causing an immediate rejection.

If your return is rejected, it is not considered “filed.” If you miss the filing deadline because of this error, you are technically late. You must have your exact prior year tax return in hand to pull this specific number from Line 11.

3. The Dependent Name Mismatch

The IRS validates every dependent against the Social Security Administration’s master database. A common error occurs with newlyweds or children who have changed their last names. If you list your child as “Sarah Smith” but the SSA still has her as “Sarah Jones,” the return crashes.

The computer does not understand “maiden names” or informal adoptions. You must use the exact name printed on the physical Social Security card. If the card is outdated, you must update the SSA before you file your taxes.

4. The Missing 1099-DA Data

With the new Form 1099-DA for digital assets rolling out, omission is a major error. If a broker reports a crypto sale to the IRS and you fail to include it on your return, the “Underreporter” filter catches it. Unlike a simple math error, this can trigger a correspondence audit that freezes your refund indefinitely.

You must gather every tax document, including digital ones from crypto apps, before you file. Filing “early” without these forms guarantees a delay later.

5. The “Forgot to Sign” (Electronic)

Believe it or not, many DIY filers complete the software questions but stop before the final submission step. They assume entering the data was the same as filing. Or, if filing a paper return (which you should avoid), they physically forget to sign the bottom.

An unsigned return is invalid and will be sent back to you by mail months later. Ensure you see the “Return Accepted” email confirmation from your software provider. Until you get that email, you haven’t actually filed anything.

Proofread to Get Paid

The difference between a February refund and a July refund is often five minutes of proofreading. Read your return backward to catch number transpositions. Do not let a typo hold your money hostage.

Did your refund get rejected for a wrong AGI last year? Leave a comment below—tell us how you fixed it!