Tax Refund Payment: How long does it take for tax refund to show in bank account after approved? (2024)

Waiting for a tax refund can feel like a prolonged waiting game with no end in sight. While the IRS typically processes refunds within 21 days for e-filers with direct deposit, various factors can cause significant delays, turning anticipation into frustration.

E-filing with direct deposit is hailed as the fastest route, with refunds usually arriving within three weeks. However, for those opting for paper check refunds, the wait can extend to four to six weeks due to the involved manual processing.

Delays can occur due to errors on the return, claims for certain tax credits, or suspicion of fraud. These factors trigger manual reviews and additional verifications, prolonging the processing time.

The IRS provides a "Where's My Refund?" tool for tracking refund status, which updates once a day. However, even after the IRS sends the refund, it may take one to five additional business days for banks to post it to accounts.

While banks often process direct deposits quickly, temporary holds for verification purposes can cause further delays. To expedite future refunds, taxpayers are advised to e-file, double-check for accuracy, have all necessary tax documents ready, and confirm bank account details beforehand. Despite these precautions, if a refund hasn't arrived within the expected timeframe, contacting the IRS may be necessary.

Once accepted, your tax return follows the IRS payment schedule, and only they have the status of its processing, whether you owe taxes or expect a refund.

For electronic returns with direct deposit, IRS refunds typically arrive in bank accounts within 21 days of approval. In contrast, paper check refunds may take four to six weeks to be received, whereas e-filed refunds can take as little as 24-48 hours.

Staying informed about the refund process and understanding potential delays can help alleviate some of the stress associated with waiting for a refund to arrive.

Tax Refund Payment: How long does it take for tax refund to show in bank account after approved? (2024)

FAQs

Tax Refund Payment: How long does it take for tax refund to show in bank account after approved? ›

If you filed your tax return electronically and chose to receive your refund via direct deposit, you can typically expect to receive your refund within 21 days from the date the IRS accepts your return. If you filed a paper return, it may take longer, with processing times ranging from 6 to 8 weeks.

How long after a refund is approved is it sent to the bank? ›

If you choose direct deposit, the IRS will transfer the refund amount directly into your bank account. This is the fastest method, and you can typically expect to receive your refund within a few days after the refund has been approved.

How long does it take for tax return to show in bank account? ›

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.

How long does it take for the IRS to approve a refund after it is accepted stimulus? ›

Refund Sent

Updates to refund status are made once a day — usually at night. Even with the January 30 opening of the tax season, we expect refunds to be issued within normal timeframes. The IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days last year.

How long does it take for the IRS to approve a refund after it is accepted in 2024? ›

(updated December 22, 2023) 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.

How will I know if my refund is approved? ›

Use the IRS Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to check your refund online. This is the fastest and easiest way to track your refund. The systems are updated once every 24 hours. You can contact the IRS to check on the status of your refund.

Why has my refund been accepted but not approved? ›

"IRS Accepted Return But Not Approved" Meaning

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.

How do tax refunds show up in bank account? ›

The IRS uses direct deposit to electronically issue tax refund payments directly into taxpayers' financial accounts. In most cases, you will receive your tax refund in less than 21 days after you file your federal tax return.

What time does the IRS update the refund status? ›

The IRS updates the tool once a day, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more often. This prevents individuals from having to contact the IRS for updates unless the tool requests them to call. Where's My Refund?

Do tax returns go straight to bank account? ›

Eight out of ten taxpayers get their refunds by using direct deposit. It is simple, safe and secure. This is the same electronic transfer system used to deposit nearly 98 percent of all Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits into millions of accounts.

Why is it taking so long to approve my refund? ›

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.

Does the IRS approve refunds on weekends? ›

Usually, the IRS pays refunds a day before the weekend if the payment date falls on a weekend. But there are some cases in which the payment is done on the very day after the weekend passed, assuming it is not a holiday. In those cases, the payments won't appear until the next business day arrives.

What days are refunds deposited in 2024? ›

2024 IRS Refund Schedule Chart
2024 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date AcceptedDirect Deposit SentPaper Check Mailed
Feb 25 - Mar 2, 2024Mar 22, 2024Mar 29, 2024
Mar 3 - Mar 9, 2024Mar 29, 2024Apr 5, 2024
Mar 10 - Mar 16, 2024Apr 5, 2024Apr 12, 2024
24 more rows
Feb 28, 2024

How long are tax refunds taking in 2024? ›

Taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit typically get their refund in less than 21 days. Taxpayers who don't have a bank account can find out how to open a bank account at a FDIC-insured bank or the National Credit Union Locator Tool.

Why is IRS taking so long to process my refund? ›

The IRS can delay your tax refund until it completes any audits. This is most common when the IRS is conducting a mail audit on your EITC or ACTC return from a prior year. Normally, you'll receive IRS Letter CP88 indicating that your refund is frozen until the IRS completes the audit.

What does it mean when it says your refund will be sent to your bank? ›

shows the status of my tax return is Refund Sent? This means the IRS has sent your refund to your financial institution for direct deposit. It may take your financial institution 1 – 5 days to deposit the funds into your account. If you requested a paper check this means your check has been mailed.

Where are IRS refund checks mailed from? ›

The locations are in Philadelphia and Kansas City Mo. HI Thao: IRS Refund checks come from the Department of Treasury, If you're wondering when to check for your money from your federal tax refund status in the mail, you should know when the IRS will send it. Generally, any paper checks issued are sent out on Fridays.

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