How Long It Takes to Get Your Tax Refund

Are you expecting a federal tax refund this year? If so, you may wonder how long you’ll have to wait before it hits your bank account. 

While the IRS issues most tax refunds within three weeks, it can take longer in certain situations. For example, your refund could be delayed due to how you file, your payment method, or the credits you claim. 

Read on for all you need to know about tax refund delivery times so you can plan accordingly.

Factors influencing tax refund processing times

IRS tax refund processing times depend on a variety of factors, including: 

• Filing method: E-filing typically results in faster refunds than mailing a paper return (more on timeline estimates later). 
• Payment method: Receiving your refund via direct deposit tends to be faster than receiving a paper check.
• Credits claimed: Claiming certain credits can impact timing. For example, under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) can’t be issued before mid-February. 
• Amended returns: Refunds from amended returns take much longer than those from initial returns.
• Errors or missing information: If your return has errors or incomplete information, it can lead to delays. 
• Identity theft or fraud: If your return is affected by identity theft or fraud, it can be delayed due to the need for further review. 
• Large refunds: Tax refunds over $2 million require a report to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), which delays your payment. This won’t apply to most taxpayers, though, as the average refund amount in 2024 was $3,138.  

Typical tax refund processing timelines

While tax refund processing times can vary by return, the IRS provides general estimates. In most cases, refunds process within the following time frames: 

• E-filed returns: Within 21 days
• Paper filed returns: At least 4 weeks 
• Amended returns: At least 4 weeks, but could be up to 16

If getting your refund as soon as possible is your top priority, e-filing is the way to go. You can see your refund in three weeks, if not sooner. 

Paper filing takes a bit longer, with the estimated time of arrival starting at the four-week mark. And refunds from amended returns can take as long as four months.

How to check your tax refund status

Once you’ve filed your taxes, you don’t have to sit back and wonder when your refund will arrive. You can check the status daily through the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or the IRS2Go app. Status updates are typically available within the following time frames:

• E-file for the current year: After 24 hours
• E-file for a prior year: After 3 to 4 days
• Paper return: After 4 weeks 

Note: To check your refund status, you’ll need your Social Security number (or individual taxpayer ID number), your filing status, and the exact amount of your refund. 

The Where’s My Refund? database is updated once per day (overnight) and will tell you whether your refund is in one of three stages:

• Return Received: The IRS has successfully received your return. 
• Refund Approved: Your refund has been approved.
• Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent and should arrive in your bank account within one to five business days. 

If you don’t want to wait, you can apply for a Refund Advance, which provides instant access to your refund.

If you filed using TurboTax, you can also check your e-file status by logging in to your TurboTax account.

2025 tax refund schedule: Key dates to know

The IRS began accepting returns on January 27, so the 2025 tax filing season (for tax year 2024) is already underway. You can file any time between now and your applicable deadline (see tax refund schedule 2025 below) to remain in compliance. 

For most individual taxpayers, the filing deadline is Tuesday, April 15. However, if you live abroad, you get an automatic two-month extension, moving your due date to Monday, June 16. In either case, if you need more time, you can request an extension to move your due date to Wednesday, October 15. 

If you’re owed a refund, you won’t be penalized for filing late. However, you only have three years from the original due date to claim a federal tax refund or you’ll lose it. Additionally, the longer you wait to file, the longer you’ll have to wait to get your money back. It’s like granting the IRS an interest-free loan. 

Tax refund schedule 2025:

• E-filing open date: January 27
• Refund date if you claim the EITC or ACTC*: March 3
• Individual tax filing deadline: April 15
• Individual tax filing deadline for expats: June 16
• Extended individual tax filing deadline: October 15
• Final deadline to claim a refund for the 2024 tax year: April 17, 2028
• Typical refund timeline*: 21 days

*This date applies if you e-file, the IRS finds no issues with your return, and you select direct deposit as your refund payment method.

Tips to expedite your tax refund

Want your refund sooner? Here are some tips to speed things up:

• File electronically: E-filing transmits your return directly into the IRS computer systems, cutting down on the time it takes for the IRS to review and approve your refund. 
• Opt for direct deposit: The fastest way to get your refund is to have it deposited directly into your bank account. No waiting on the mail. No lost checks. 
• Double-check information: Errors or missing information can slow things down. The IRS often fixes simple math errors, but the agency will notify you of larger errors or missing information by mail. You’ll then need to make the corrections before your refund will be approved.  
• File early: The sooner you file, the sooner you can get your refund. With TurboTax, you can get started before e-filing opens and have your return submitted on opening day.

Common reasons for tax refund delays

In some cases, the IRS needs more time to process tax returns, which delays refunds. Common reasons for delays include errors or incomplete information or a return being affected by identity theft or fraud. 

Additionally, claiming the EITC or ACTC can lead to delays for early filers, since those credits can’t be released until mid-February. Further, an injured spouse allocation, amended return, high tax refund amount, or outstanding debt may all lead to delayed payments. 

If the IRS decides it needs more time to process your return, you’ll be notified by mail.

Plan ahead for a smooth tax filing experience

Want to avoid delays and get your refund as quickly as possible? TurboTax makes it easy. Our step-by-step guidance helps you file accurately and claim all the credits and deductions available to you. Simply answer a few questions, and we’ll handle the rest—from filling out forms to e-filing directly with the IRS. From there, you can track your refund every step of the way from your TurboTax account.

E-file with TurboTax today and get your refund on its way.

Tax refund status FAQs

How can I check the status of my tax refund?

If you e-file with TurboTax, you can check your refund through your online account. Additionally, you can check it through the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or the IRS2Go app. 

Will I see a date right away when I check the status in “Where’s My Refund”? 

The IRS Where’s My Refund tool will not give you a date until the IRS receives your tax return and your tax refund is approved by the IRS.

It’s been more than 21 days since the IRS received my tax return and I haven’t received my tax refund. What’s happening?

Some tax returns take longer than others to process. The IRS may have run into an issue that’s causing a delay, such as an error, incomplete information, or a credit that can’t be paid until a certain date. 

I requested my money be automatically deposited into my bank account, but I was mailed a check. What happened?

The IRS limits the number of direct deposits that go into a single bank account or prepaid debit card to three tax refunds per year. Your limit may have been exceeded. Another possibility is that the IRS found indications that your bank account is suspicious for some reason, so it may issue a check instead. If you make a mistake in your bank account or routing number so the account can’t be verified, the IRS will send you a check instead.

How long does it take for a tax refund through direct deposit?

The IRS issues most refunds within 21 or fewer days when returns are e-filed and filers choose direct deposit. However, a refund may be delayed if your return has incomplete information or you claim certain credits. 

How long does a state tax refund take?

Each state has its own processing and security protocols, so tax refund timelines vary. Check with your state’s tax authority to get the most accurate estimate.