Money Why is it taking so long to get tax refunds this year? Some are taking the IRS 6-8 weeks in 2021 April 22, 2021 Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press Comments Off on Why is it taking so long to get tax refunds this year? Some are taking the IRS 6-8 weeks in 2021 Some early filers are waiting for a tax refund more than six weeks already -- far longer than typical -- as the IRS deals with tax credits and fraud.