Many taxpayers wait anxiously during the end of the year to know when the IRS might issue their refunds—especially those who filed late returns, amended returns, or are still waiting on past-year refunds. December is a unique month because the IRS processes far fewer refunds during the holiday season, and most standard tax refunds are issued during the January–April tax cycle.
However, refunds can still be released in December, especially for:
- Late-filed 2023 returns
- Amended returns
- Corrected tax returns
- Refunds held due to identity verification or document requests
- Taxpayer Protection Program releases
- Injured spouse claims finalized
- Offset adjustments
This complete 800-word guide explains IRS refund dates for December, what to expect, processing timelines, common reasons for December releases, the slowdown period, and a helpful overview table for quick reference.
Do IRS Refunds Come in December?
Yes — the IRS does issue refunds in December, but the volume is much lower. The IRS tax season runs from January to mid-October for standard filings, but refunds still go out weekly throughout the year for:
- Late filers
- Amended returns
- Identity-verified cases
- Returns with updated information
- Payroll/withholding corrections
- Injured spouse allocations
- Manual IRS reviews completed
Refund payments happen even during the holidays unless federal offices close for Christmas or weekends.
IRS Refund Processing Schedule for December
Unlike the regular January–April refund cycle, December refunds follow a slower, manual, case-by-case schedule.
Here’s how IRS December processing works:
- IRS processes returns Monday through Friday
- Refunds are typically released on Wednesdays and Fridays
- Direct deposit arrives within 3–5 days after release
- Paper checks may take 7–14 days
- Refund schedules slow down in the last week of December
No official IRS calendar exists for December refunds; instead, timing depends on how quickly your case is reviewed or resolved.
What Causes Refund Delays Into December?
Refunds often spill into December for the following reasons:
- Identity verification (ID.me or letter 5071C)
- Missing or incorrect income information
- Dependent claim conflict
- EIC or Child Tax Credit review
- IRS requesting more documentation
- Delayed processing of amended returns
- Backlog of paper returns
- Taxpayer Protection Program flags
- IRS system updates during December
The IRS also pauses certain systems during the last week of December for maintenance before the new tax season.
Expected IRS December Refund Patterns
While exact dates vary, December refunds usually follow these patterns:
- Early December: Refunds released steadily
- Mid-December: Normal pace continues
- Week of Christmas: Significant slowdown
- End of December: Minimal processing due to IRS year-end closing tasks
Refunds may resume fully after the New Year.
IRS December Refund Timeline Example
Here’s a typical timeline for someone receiving a December refund:
- IRS finishes review: Dec 1–10
- Refund released: Fri or Wed after review
- Direct deposit date: Within 3–5 days
- Paper check date: Within 7–14 days
- Holiday delays: Possible Dec 22–31
Overview Table
| Scenario | Estimated Refund Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Late-filed return | 2–6 weeks | Refund may fall in early or mid-December |
| Amended return (1040-X) | 10–20 weeks | December payouts common |
| Identity verification release | 1–3 weeks after verification | Depends on case load |
| Dependent/EIC review | 6–10 weeks | Refund released after approval |
| Injured spouse claim | 8–14 weeks | Refund may appear in December |
| Offset reversal or correction | 3–6 weeks | Based on Treasury processing |
How to Check Your December Refund Status
To track your December refund, use these IRS tools:
1. Where’s My Refund (WMR)
Shows:
- Return received
- Refund approved
- Refund sent
Updated once daily.
2. IRS2Go App
Mobile version of the WMR tool.
3. Amended Return Tool
For 1040-X refunds.
4. IRS Online Account
Check balance, refund holds, notices, and transcripts.
5. Transcripts (Code 846)
If your transcript shows Code 846, your refund has been issued.
Reasons Refunds Are Released in December
Your refund may hit in December if:
- You filed late and IRS completed review
- You submitted additional documents recently
- A dependent or stimulus claim was corrected
- IRS manually approved your amended return
- Identity verification was completed
- A previous refund hold was removed
- An offset or debt adjustment was recalculated
Tips for Getting Your IRS Refund Faster in December
- Use direct deposit instead of paper checks
- Complete ID verification promptly
- Respond to IRS letters immediately
- Avoid filing paper forms during holiday months
- Check transcripts weekly for updates
- Ensure correct bank routing and account numbers
Detailed Table: December Refund Delays vs. Normal Timing
| Cause | December Impact | Expected Delay |
|---|---|---|
| IRS holiday closures | Slow | 3–7 days |
| Identity verification | Moderate | 1–3 weeks |
| Amended return backlog | High | Up to several weeks |
| Missing documents | High | Until received |
| Paper return backlog | Severe | Weeks or months |
| System maintenance | Moderate | Late December slowdowns |
Key Takeaways
- IRS does issue refunds in December, mainly for late-filed or amended returns.
- Refunds are typically released on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- December refunds slow down heavily during Christmas week.
- Paper checks take longer than direct deposit.
- Your IRS account transcript is the fastest way to check refund status.
FAQs
1. Does the IRS send refunds in December?
Yes — many refunds from late or amended returns are released throughout December.
2. Why is my refund delayed until December?
Because your return required additional review, identity verification, corrections, or manual processing.
3. When will I get my December IRS refund?
Most refunds release on Wednesdays or Fridays, with direct deposit arriving 3–5 days later.