Where’s my tax refund? Once you file, how long you’ll wait for your cash (2024)

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Where’s my tax refund? Once you file, how long you’ll wait for your cash (1)

WASHINGTON – Once taxpayers file their taxes, there’s only one question on their minds: Where’s my refund?

The Internal Revenue Service says it processes about nine out of 10 tax returns within 21 business days. That estimate does not include weekends and holidays.

Several factors can affect how fast your get your money. Three big ones:

  • How you file – Filing your return electronically, so that it reaches the IRS in a digital form, allows the IRS to process it more quickly.
  • When you file – Generally, the earlier you file, the more quickly your return will be processed.
  • Which credits you claim – Claiming certain credits can delay processing. For example, the IRS by law cannot even begin to process Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit refunds before mid-February.

In general, the earlier you file, the better. Allowing for direct deposit can speed up how quickly you get your money.

So, if you file electronically, and the IRS can begin processing it by Tuesday, Feb. 13, you could expect your refund to be directly deposited by about March 13.

That takes into account President’s Day (Feb. 19) and weekends, none of which are business days.

Related

If you file by mail, the IRS estimates it will take four weeks or more to process your return. It also will take longer if corrections are required, or extra review is needed.

And if you request a paper check, rather than direct deposit, that also can slow the process.

Once you file, you can track the status of your return (and refund) with the Where’s My Refund? tool. Data is updated daily. How quickly you can start getting nformation about your return will depend on how you file. Here’s some expected wait times:

  • 24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2023 return.
  • 3 or 4 days after e-filing a tax year 2022 or 2021 return.
  • 4 weeks or more after mailing a return.

If you don’t have internet access, you may call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 for information about a current-year refund or 866-464-2050 for an amended return.

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Where’s my tax refund? Once you file, how long you’ll wait for your cash (2024)

FAQs

Where’s my tax refund? Once you file, how long you’ll wait for your cash? ›

If you file by mail, the IRS estimates it will take four weeks or more to process your return. It also will take longer if corrections are required, or extra review is needed. And if you request a paper check, rather than direct deposit, that also can slow the process.

How long does it take to get money back after you file your taxes? ›

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.

How long after your tax return is approved do you get the money? ›

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. Where's My Refund?

How long does Cash App take to accept tax refund? ›

Tax refunds deposited into Cash App accounts typically take 1–5 business days after the IRS processes the return Call +1(812)993–0383.

How long should I wait to check my refund? ›

The IRS completes nine out of ten direct deposit refunds within 21 days. You can begin tracking the status of your refund within 24 hours of e-filing.

What day of the week does the IRS deposit refunds? ›

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.

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.

How do you know if your refund amount 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.

What happens after refund is approved? ›

If you choose direct deposit when you file your tax return, the IRS will send your refund straight to your bank account. Direct deposit is the quickest way to get your refund. Once the IRS processes your return and approves your refund, the money can be in your bank account within a few days.

Does return accepted mean approved? ›

The IRS will change your tax return's status to “approved” after they confirm that the information you provided is accurate. This typically takes three weeks from the time it is marked as “accepted”.

How long is it taking to get tax refunds in 2024? ›

Within 21 days

Can I get my tax refund early? ›

If you'd rather get your refund cash now, you can turn to a tax refund loan (also known as a refund advance loan). This is a short-term loan you can take against a portion of your estimated tax refund, and it's typically offered by your tax preparation service right after you file.

Why is my federal refund taking so long? ›

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.

How long after my tax refund is mailed will I get it? ›

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.

What is the longest wait for IRS refund? ›

If you paper-filed, wait at least 4 weeks before checking Where's My Refund?. The IRS is taking more than 21 days (and up to 90 to 120 days), to issue refunds for tax returns with the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. You should only contact the IRS if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed.

How long is acceptable to wait for a refund? ›

The seller has to pay you the refund within 14 days from when they receive the item.

How long after you file taxes do you get your refund direct deposit? ›

When will my refund arrive? If you e-filed your return and chose direct deposit to receive your refund, you'll usually receive your refund in 8-15 days. However, you should allow an extra 1-5 business days for your bank to process the funds.

How long does a refund take on a debit card? ›

Refunds to debit cards tend to take between two and five business days, but it can take up to 30 days depending on the company issuing the refund.

When should I expect my tax refund 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.

How long does it take for the IRS to pay back taxes? ›

For both types, you must pay the debt in full within 72 months (six years), and within the time limit for the IRS to collect the tax, but you won't need to submit a financial statement.

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