If you’re still waiting on your North Carolina state tax refund, you’re not alone. In 2025, thousands of taxpayers across the state—from Asheville to Charlotte to Lake Norman— have reported significant delays. While refund holdups are frustrating, this year’s backlog is tied to a very specific issue—and understanding it could save you from unnecessary panic.

At Polaris Tax & Accounting, we’re helping clients across the state track their refunds, communicate with the NC Department of Revenue (NCDOR), and take proactive steps if something is wrong.

Let’s walk through what’s happening, what you can expect, and what you should do now.

Why Are NC Tax Refunds Delayed in 2025?

📰 Printing Vendor Shutdown

According to an official statement from the North Carolina Department of Revenue, the primary reason for the delays is the unexpected closure of the agency’s third-party printing and mailing contractor. This vendor was responsible for mailing physical refund checks and tax documents across the state.

When the vendor abruptly shut down operations in spring 2025, it created a massive processing bottleneck—especially for taxpayers who didn’t opt for direct deposit.

“The Department is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We understand this is causing inconvenience and we are committed to ensuring taxpayers receive their refunds.”
— NC Department of Revenue, May 2025

📌 Need to verify your refund status?

Who’s Affected?

  • Taxpayers who filed on time and selected paper check refunds

  • Individuals who received a refund confirmation but haven’t seen funds

  • Some business returns, including partnerships and corporations, where refund checks are mailed to a business address

Direct deposit refunds are less affected, though some still report processing delays of 4–6 weeks.

What You Can Do Right Now

✅ 1. Check Your Refund Status Online

Use the NCDOR’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool to confirm the refund has been issued and whether it’s being mailed or direct deposited.

📌 If the tool says “mailed” but you haven’t received anything within 2 weeks, it’s likely caught in the vendor delay.

✅ 2. Confirm Your Address Was Correct

If your address on file was outdated or entered incorrectly, your refund may have been returned or stalled. This is especially important if you moved recently.

🔗 Learn how to update your address with NCDOR

✅ 3. Avoid Calling (Unless Urgent)

The NCDOR has advised taxpayers not to call their helpline unless their refund has been delayed more than 90 days, as high call volumes are slowing down resolution times for everyone.

✅ 4. Consider IRS or Multi-State Refunds Separately

Keep in mind—if you’re also waiting on a federal refund, that’s a separate issue. The IRS has its own refund delays tied to processing backlogs, especially for amended returns or identity verification.

📌 See how Polaris helps resolve IRS delays and notices »

What If You Can’t Wait?

👉 You’re not powerless.

If the refund delay is affecting your cash flow, especially for a business, here are some options to consider:

  • Use tax planning to reduce future overpayments so less money is held hostage next year

  • Check if your refund can be applied to next year’s estimated taxes instead of waiting for it to be mailed

  • Review your withholding strategy if your refund is consistently large—because it may mean you’re overpaying throughout the year

📌 See the difference between tax prep and tax projections »

Will This Happen Again?

The NC Department of Revenue has said they are in the process of onboarding a new vendor and modernizing refund delivery systems to avoid this happening in future tax seasons. But as of now, no permanent solution has been announced.

If you typically receive a paper refund, now might be the time to set up direct deposit or make other strategic adjustments with your accountant.

How Polaris Helps North Carolina Taxpayers

We serve clients across the state—from remote workers in Asheville to small business owners in Huntersville, Concord, and Charlotte. Our services include:

  • Tracking refund and IRS transcripts to catch delays early

  • Responding to notices or corrections if your return is flagged

  • Helping you avoid overpaying future taxes by adjusting your strategy

  • Filing NC annual reports and estimated payments for LLCs and corporations

📌 Learn how we serve North Carolina clients »

Final Thoughts

Refund delays are frustrating—but in 2025, they’re largely out of your control. The important thing is to stay informed, avoid unnecessary panic, and work with a team that knows how to navigate state-level disruptions.

Polaris Tax & Accounting is here to help you:

  • Monitor your refund status

  • Communicate with the NC Department of Revenue

  • Adjust your withholding, planning, or payment strategy going forward

👉 Schedule your tax strategy consultation now

We’ll help you take control—so you’re not left in the dark next tax season.