Here's what happens when you press that green button and transmit your tax return. Remember, the fastest way to get your tax refund is to e-file and choose direct deposit.
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Key Takeaways • When you e-file, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to accept your return. • Once your return is accepted, you are on the IRS’ refund timetable. • The IRS typically issues refunds in less than 21 days after your e-filed return is accepted. • You can use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to check on the status of your refund, beginning 24 hours after you e-file. The IRS will provide an actual refund date as soon as your tax return and refund are approved. |
"Where's my tax refund?"
Ever wonder what happens between e-filing your tax return and receiving your refund?
Here is what really happens when you press that green button and transmit your tax return.
- First, we "stamp" the return with an electronic postmark, and then we send it to the government.
- Then we both wait 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to accept your return.
- What are they doing? They are checking your personal information to make sure it matches their records.
- If everything looks good, the IRS accepts your return.
Once you are accepted, you are on the IRS payment timetable. Only the IRS knows the status of processing your tax return, whether you owe taxes or are due a refund.
How long does it take for the IRS to approve my refund?
In prior years, the IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days last year. The same results are expected for 2022.
TurboTax Tip: You can use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to check on the status of your refund, beginning 24 hours after you e-file. The IRS will provide an actual refund date as soon as your tax return and refund are approved.
After my refund is approved, how long until I get my direct deposit?
After the IRS approves your refund it can take several days for your bank to process and post the direct deposit to your account. Some institutions will issue your direct deposit on the same business day. However, the time it takes can depend on how busy your bank or credit union is.
How can I check the status of my refund?
Once you have e-filed your tax return, there are a few ways to check the status of your refund:
- You can use the online IRS Where’s My Refund? tool (fastest option)
- Call the IRS at 800-829-1954
The online tool will get you personalized refund information based on the processing of your tax return. 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. Refund information is updated on the IRS website once a day, overnight.
Remember, the fastest way to get your refund is to e-file and choose direct deposit.
Note: To check on the status of your state tax refund, you’ll need to check your state's tax agency website for more details.
What information will I need to check my refund status?
In order to access information about your refund and check the status, you will need:
- Your Social Security or taxpayer ID number
- Your filing status
- The exact refund amount on your return
Why is my refund taking longer than expected?
If it’s past the 21 day mark and you haven’t received your tax return, there are several reasons that may be the case:
- There’s a mistake on your tax return: This could be something as simple as a typo or calculation mistake.
- Incorrect filing: If you’ve put the wrong filing status, filled out the form incorrectly, or made some other larger-scale mistake that impacts the ability to file your taxes, it may create confusion and require correction.
- Incomplete forms: If you missed a line on your tax form, the IRS would need you to correct it before they can move forward with processing your return.
- Fraud has occurred: If your Social Security number has been used fraudulently, it can affect the filing of your tax return.
- Processing delays: If you filed very early or at the last minute, there might be processing delays related to IRS workflows.
- Bank and credit union delays: In some cases, your bank may be facing an influx of work internally, which can, in turn, delay posting your return to your account.
- Your refund has been taken by the IRS: If you have outstanding debts, such as outstanding tax payments or past-due child support, the IRS may hold all or part of your refund.
Delays can happen for a myriad of reasons. Fortunately, there is usually a quick fix.
How will the IRS contact me regarding refund issues or delays?
While you’re waiting for your tax refund, make sure to keep an eye out for official communication from the IRS. Generally, the IRS will contact you via mail in the form of a letter or notice.
Note: The IRS will never contact you via text message or social media.
Refund tracking and delays
You can also use the TurboTax Where's My Refund tracking guide that will show you how to check the status of your tax refund and common reasons for delays.
These articles explain in more detail what may cause a delay:
- Where's My Refund? Top 5 Reasons It's Been Delayed
- Delays Due to Claiming the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit
- Why is my IRS refund taking longer than 21 days?
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