Illinois taxpayers eager for their refunds may need to exercise a bit more patience this year. The state's Department of Revenue has issued a warning that refunds could be delayed, urging filers not to bank on receiving their funds by any particular date, especially for critical expenses or hefty purchases, NBC Chicago reported.

While the IRS typically issues most federal refunds in fewer than 21 days, taxpayers have been advised not to count on specific timing for their financial planning. In seeking to combat fraud and identity theft, the agency's efforts could extend the wait time, potentially complicating personal budgeting for some residents. The department has also made it clear that "some returns may require additional review and may take longer."

Those who've opted for the electronic filing method can anticipate a faster deposit of their refund into their checking or savings account, according to NBC Chicago. The state's "Where's My Refund?" tool remains the go-to resource for tracking the status of a refund; however, paper filers should brace for extended delays as the process is naturally slower for them.

In case of a refund coming through direct deposit, the procedure is usually completed within two business days from the release. If a taxpayer is waiting on a refund via mail, the IDOR notifies that checks could take up to a staggering 10 days to reach mailboxes after they've been sent out, Income Tax Gujarat explained. Additionally, refunds can be held back, if in the taxing authority's wheelhouse, incorrect information like a wrong Social Security number, address, or bank account details crop up, or if further details are needed to thwart potential fraud.

Those curious about the whereabouts of their funds are encouraged to leverage the IDOR's "Where’s My Refund?" interface on their authorized web portal. According to Income Tax Gujarat, taxpayers should be prepared for real-time updates during business days, so any changes processed today, for instance, will reflect tomorrow. The eligible information input includes a Social Security Number or Individual Tax ID Number alongside the expected refund amount to access refund status.