How long does it take to get a tax refund?
Taxpayers typically receive a tax refund when their payment exceeds the amount they owe. Federal tax refunds are generally issued within 21 days if you file electronically and opt for direct deposit. For paper-filed returns, the process can take longer.
The following guide explains the tax refund process, how long taxpayers typically wait for their federal refund, and what may cause delays and how to avoid them.
What you’ll learn:
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To track the status of your return, you can use the IRS’s refund site.
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E-filing a return is generally the quickest way to receive a refund.
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Mailing a paper return, including certain claims on a return, can take longer.
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Submitting an incomplete tax return can delay a refund.
What is a tax refund?
A tax refund is the money you receive back from the government when your total tax payments exceed the amount you owe for the year. After you file your tax return, the overpayment is typically refunded via direct deposit or check.
When will you get your tax refund?
The IRS says most taxpayers receive their refund within about 21 days if they file taxes electronically and choose direct deposit. Paper returns generally take six weeks or longer to process.
How long do state income tax refunds take?
Each state has its own tax regulations and timelines. You can visit the Federation of Tax Administrators website to find further information about who to contact in the states where you’re filing taxes.
Factors that may delay tax refunds
Tax refunds may be delayed beyond the usual 21 days for several reasons, including:
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Missing or incorrect information: Errors could result in delays, especially if you have to submit an amended return. In that case, the IRS may not process your return or issue a refund for 20 weeks or more.
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Requested credits: Returns that claim credits like the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may have refunds held since more review time is required for verification. And, if you file early and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the IRS is required by law to wait until mid-February to issue refunds.
- Fraud checks or additional reviews: The IRS notes that undergoing additional verification reviews may result in waiting longer for your refund.
How to check your IRS tax refund status
You can check the status of your IRS refund in a few different ways, including:
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IRS website: Use the official IRS refund site.
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IRS2Go app: Download the official IRS2Go app for mobile devices.
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IRS automated hotline: For your refund status, you can call 800-829-1954.
Taxpayers can check their refund status 24 hours after an e-filed return is accepted or about four weeks after mailing a paper return. The IRS tracker typically shows three updates: return received, refund approved and refund sent.
Documents you’ll need
If you’re checking your refund status without directly signing in to your IRS account, you’ll need the following information:
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The exact refund amount
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Your Social Security number or ITIN
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Your filing status (married or single, for example)
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The tax year
How to get a tax refund faster
To expedite your tax refund, consider the following:
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File your tax return early: Filing sooner can help your return enter IRS processing earlier in the season.
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E-file your return: The IRS says electronic filing is typically faster and more accurate than mailing a paper return.
- Choose direct deposit: This is usually the quickest way to receive a refund.
Tax refund FAQ
Still have questions about when you’ll receive your tax refund? The following information can help.
What are the eligibility requirements for a tax refund?
To be eligible for a tax refund, you must have paid more in taxes than you owe or qualify for refundable credits. You’ll also need to file a federal tax return, usually within three years, to claim the refund. Requirements may include having a valid SSN and meeting the eligibility requirements for applicable credits.
Why hasn’t my refund been approved even though my return has been accepted?
You can see the status of your return and refund by signing in to your online IRS account.
Accepted means that the IRS received your tax return but is still processing it. The IRS says the review process typically takes a few days. If you qualify for a refund, your refund status will be updated to approved.
Why is my tax refund still being processed?
If you filed electronically, the IRS says it could take a few days to review your tax return and process your refund. If you mailed a paper return, your refund status should be available in about four weeks. Other factors, such as missing or incorrect information, can delay the process.
If you qualify for a refund and haven’t received it within the normal processing schedule, check the Where’s My Refund? tool for additional details. Or you may be able to contact an IRS agent for additional help.
Why is my tax refund less than what I filed?
The IRS says there could be a few reasons why your tax refund was less than expected, including:
- Part of your refund may have been applied to past-due federal or state taxes, child or spousal support, or nontax debts, such as student loans.
- The IRS may have made changes or corrections to your tax return.
If any changes are made to your tax return, the IRS says you’ll receive a notice and more information about the changes. And the IRS refund site could also provide you with an updated amount and an explanation of the changes.
Key takeaways: When will I get my tax refund?
Most taxpayers who e-file will receive their federal tax refund within about 21 days. But paper returns and certain situations—such as errors on a return, additional IRS review, or claims for credits like the EITC or ACTC—can take longer.
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