Many taxpayers across the United States expect their tax refund to arrive within a few weeks after filing. But in 2026, residents in several states are experiencing longer-than-usual delays when waiting for their state income tax refunds.
Although federal refunds are moving relatively quickly this year, issues at the state level—from new tax laws to outdated processing systems—are slowing down payments for thousands of taxpayers.
If you’re still waiting for your refund, here’s a breakdown of which states are affected, why the delays are happening, and what taxpayers can do to avoid further problems.
