If you’re antsy about when your federal income tax refund will hit your bank account, you’re not alone. For fiscal year 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimated about 120.9 million individual taxpayers were owed refunds, amounting to a whopping $461.2 billion. That’s a lot of spare change being left in Uncle Sam’s hands.
Want to know when you’ll get back what you overpaid in federal taxes? Of course you do. Read on.
How long does it usually take for the IRS to process a tax refund?
Although IRS.gov says most refunds are processed within 21 days of receiving a federal tax filing, there are a lot of variables that can affect refund processing times.
For instance, if you have an e-filed return and opt for direct deposit, your tax return will likely get processed quickly. However, if you file a paper return and claim the earned income tax credit (EITC), your individual income tax return could take longer to process.
To get a better handle on when to expect your tax refund, consult the charts provided by the CPA Practice Advisor here. According to its estimates, a complete and accurate e-file return received by Feb. 24, 2025, could see a direct deposit initiated from the IRS in as little as 10 days, or by March 7, 2025. A paper refund check would likely arrive a week later, around March 14, 2025.
How to check your tax refund status in 3 easy steps
The easiest way to figure out when your money might turn up is to check the status of your refund with the IRS. Here’s where to go and what additional information you might need to check your return status.
Step 1: Gather your refund information
You’re going to need a few pieces of information, including:
Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN)
Filing status (single, married, filing jointly, etc.)
Exact refund amount listed on your return
You’ll also be asked to identify which tax year you’d like to track refunds for. Whether it’s the prior year or several years back, make sure you have all your tax forms in order.
Step 2: Go to Where’s My Refund or the IRS2Go app
You can access your online account with the IRS by providing the information above either at Where’s My Refund or through the IRS2Go mobile app. Status tracking should be available within 24 hours after you e-file a tax return or up to four weeks after you send a paper return.
Step 3: Identify your tax return status
Here are the status updates you might receive as you track your federal tax return and what each means.
Return received
This status simply means the IRS has formally received your return. Sit tight and wait for more information.
Refund approved
Your return has been processed and a refund is pending. Once the funds are available and have been sent, your status will update.
Refund sent
Good news. Your refund has either been deposited directly to the account you specified or a paper check is in the mail. Keep in mind that once the IRS sends the funds, it could still take up to five business days for the transfer to post to your bank account.
If additional review is required or you need to submit an amended return, you’ll find further instructions included alongside your refund status in the IRS refund tracker.
Where’s my refund? 4 scenarios that might delay your tax refund
While there can be some bumps in the road that make tax season rough, there are easy ways to avoid a delayed refund. Here are common reasons tax pros say could delay your refund and what you can do about it.
Your tax return has errors or is incomplete
If you make a mistake or leave some information blank, the IRS may ask you to submit an amended return. Don’t panic. This doesn’t always mean you’ll be audited. It just means your return is pending and requires additional review.
You’re claiming the earned income credit or additional child tax credit
These tax credits may take longer to process because the IRS can not legally disperse these refunds until mid-February. If you claim these credits and submit a return early in the tax season, the IRS says you can expect a refund by early March.
You filed a paper return
If you’re still using snail mail to submit your federal tax return, it’s probably going to result in delays to your refund, which will be compounded if you opt for a paper check instead of direct deposit.
You’ve been a victim of identity theft or fraud
There’s a small chance that a delayed refund is a sign you’ve been a victim of identity theft or tax fraud. Consult the IRS identity theft guide for individual taxpayers to find out what next steps you should take.
Frequently asked questions
Can I expedite the processing of my federal tax return?
Unlike passports or the lines at Disneyland, there’s no fee you can pay or specific action you can take to speed up the processing of your tax return. However, if you review your return carefully, submit it electronically, and choose direct deposit, you can reduce friction in the process and minimize delays in receiving your refund.
Can I track my state income tax return?
While you can’t use the IRS tool to track your state tax return, many states offer similar trackers on their Department of Revenue websites, which you can find linked at the Federation of Tax Administrators. You’ll need similar information to track your state tax return, including your Social Security number, tax year, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
When should I call the IRS if my tax refund is late or missing?
There are a few signs it might be time to contact the IRS about a delayed tax refund. First and foremost, the Where’s My Refund tracker on the official website might instruct you to call the IRS. You should also call if it’s been more than 21 days since you e-filed or more than six weeks since you mailed a federal tax return.
You can reach the IRS for inquiries regarding your federal tax refund at 1-800-829-1954 (toll-free) or call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative.
