Your federal tax return may still be processing if not enough time has passed since you submitted it. You should allow 21 days for e-filed returns and six weeks for paper returns. If more time has passed, there are a number of reasons why some tax returns take longer than others to process. The processing of your return may be delayed if: The return has errors The information provided is not complete The IRS saw something on the return that triggered a further review Identity theft or fraud affected your return You've claimed the earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit Your return included Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation