How long is tax refund?
We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return.
| Filing method | E-file/Direct deposit | Paper file/Check |
|---|---|---|
| Refund time | 1-3 weeks | 2 months |
The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.
| Filing Method | E-File, Direct Deposit | Paper File, Check in Mail |
|---|---|---|
| Time from the day you file until you receive your refund* | 1-3 weeks | 2 months |
Bottom line. If you file online and set up direct deposit, you can expect a refund within 21 days.
What days of the week can I receive my refund? The exact day of the week that the IRS will deposit your refund into your account can vary, but they usually send the refund on every business day, from Monday to Friday.
The IRS says that tax returns can be delayed for the following reasons: It was sent by mail. It contains errors or is incomplete. It needs further review.
Tax refund loans, also called "refund advances," let you access your refund early. The tax preparation company lends you money that is repaid with your tax return. Some loans are zero interest, while others include interest if you want the funds before 2024.
Many different factors may affect the timing of refund delivery: The tax return has errors, requires additional review or is incomplete.
100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee – Individual Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest.
Should I be worried if my refund is delayed?
A tax refund could be delayed weeks or even months in some cases. The length of the delay may depend on how backed up the IRS is on processing tax returns, whether you turn around requested documentation quickly, and whether you need to file an amended return.
Tax season began on Jan. 29, 2024, when the IRS started accepting and processing 2023 tax returns. As of the week ending March 8, the agency has processed about 62 million returns and issued more than 43 million refunds. To date, the average refund issued in 2024 is $3,145.
If a taxpayer receives the status update that their tax return was accepted but not approved, this means that the IRS has received their tax return, but they have not yet evaluated the information.
| Filing method and refund delivery method | How long it takes to receive your refund from the time your return is accepted |
|---|---|
| E-file and direct deposit | 1-3 weeks |
| E-file and check | 1 month |
| Mail in return and direct deposit | 3 weeks |
| Mail in return and check | 2 months |
After a slow start to the 2024 tax season, the average tax refund this year is now up to $3,070, a 6% increase from this time in 2023. While a $3,000 check in April is a welcome cash infusion, wouldn't it be even better to get $6,000 back? How about $10,000? Or $20,000?
Child tax credit 2024 update
Right now, it is not clear whether an expanded child tax credit will become law before the end of the 2024 tax filing season (or at all). The tax package will need 60 votes to pass the Democratic-led Senate, and although the votes might be there, time is running out.
Usually, the IRS pays refunds a day before the weekend if the payment date falls on a weekend.
Most refunds typically take 5-7 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) to appear in your account once the merchant has issued the refund. If you have questions about a refund you should have received, you should first check with the merchant.
If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.
They will provide an actual refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. Most refunds will be issued in less than 21 days. You can start checking the status of your refund within 24 hours after you have e-filed your return.
How can I get my refund faster?
Combining direct deposit with electronic filing is the fastest way to receive your refund. There's no chance of it going uncashed, getting lost, stolen, or destroyed. The IRS issues more than nine out of ten refunds in less than 21 days.
- Contribute more to your retirement and health savings accounts.
- Choose the right deduction and filing strategy.
- Donate to charity.
- Be organized and thorough.
Up to 5 days early access to your federal tax refund is compared to standard tax refund electronic deposit and is dependent on and subject to IRS submitting refund information to the bank before release date. IRS may not submit refund information early.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.
An incomplete return, an inaccurate return, an amended return, tax fraud, claiming tax credits, owing certain debts for which the government can take part or all of your refund, and sending your refund to the wrong bank due to an incorrect routing number are all reasons that a tax refund can be delayed.
