How Long Does It Take to Get Tax Refund? - Explained

“How long does it take to get tax refund?”

Well, depending on the filing method, the return processing days can vary from 21 days to a few weeks.

The fun part of tax season isn’t necessarily when the return is filed; it’s when the refund arrives for many people. If you are putting your money toward paying your bills, saving for a rainy day, travelling, or paying off debt, it’s important to have realistic expectations based on the IRS refund timeline. 

Learn all about the timeline of tax refunds and related concepts in this blog. Let’s get started! 

How Long Does It Take to Get Tax Refund?

The majority of taxpayers who electronically file their tax returns and choose direct deposit get their refunds in approximately 21 days. However, paper checks and paper returns may take much longer to process and arrive, as they need to be manually handled. 

There are estimated dates for the IRS to issue refunds, and the IRS isn’t making any guarantees; however, they do provide an estimated date of refund based on the way that the return is filed and the mode of payment. 

You might also be more likely to avoid delays due to the IRS processing a huge backlog of returns near the deadline if you file early in the tax season. 

Let’s go ahead in this “how long does it take to get tax refund” blog and learn the factors affecting the refunds. 

Factors Impacting Tax Refund Processing Time

Not all refunds are processed in the same amount of time. Several key factors, like your filing method, refund delivery method, data accuracy, and tax credit claims, will help determine the speed of your refund. Let’s check them here: 

1. Your Filing Method

An electronic filing is much quicker than having to file a paper return. E-filed returns are added directly into the IRS processing system, whereas paper returns are manually opened, reviewed, and entered. 

That’s why people who e-file tend to get returns weeks in advance of people who mail in their tax returns. 

2. Your Refund Delivery Option 

Your refund is as important as your return, and how you get it back is just as significant. 

Direct deposit is typically the quickest option, as the IRS can electronically transfer the money directly to your bank account. Paper checks are slower because it takes time for them to be printed and mailed. 

3. The Accuracy of Your Tax Return 

The most frequent cause for tax refund schedule taking longer is incorrect details provided on a tax return. 

Even minor errors can somehow result in further review. Typically, filing mistakes are: 

• Wrong Social Security Numbers
• Wrong banking information
• Miscalculation in the tax return 
• Missing tax forms 
• Mismatched income details 

Because the IRS must do something manually when reviewing your return, your refund may be delayed significantly from the normal time frame. 

4. Tax Credits Claimed 

There are some tax credits that do not need extra documentation before getting a tax refund. 

For instance, the refunds that involve the following:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) does not exist. 

Usually postponed until mid-February because of federal rules to prevent fraud. 

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Why E-Filing and Direct Deposit are the Fastest Option?

There are several reasons why e-filing and direct deposit are the fastest choices. Electronic filing eliminates paper, reduces manual processing, and reduces the risk of filing errors. Direct deposits also eliminate mailing delays, and the IRS can deposit your funds directly into your account. 

Benefits of Direct Deposit	Benefits of E-filing
You can get your refund quicker.	Faster IRS processing
Are more secure than paper checks	Decreased probability of mistakes
Reduce the chance of lost mail	Improved tracking of refunds
Can be split into refunds in various accounts	Immediate submission confirmation

The taxpayers who avail themselves of both options are, in many situations, getting their refunds earlier than expected. 

Understanding the IRS Refund Status Stages 

The IRS refund tracer will give you status updates along the way. As these messages can cause a bit of confusion during the waiting time for returns, it is important to know what they mean. 

• Return Received: This simply implies that the IRS has actually gotten your return and is beginning processing. The IRS is now checking your data to verify that it is correct. 
• Refund Approved: You have been approved for a refund, and the IRS is working on sending your refund. The date is typically available shortly after the approval. 
• Refund Sent: Your refund has been issued by the IRS either by direct deposit or by mail. In case you choose direct deposit, your bank can possibly require a couple of business days to process the amount of money. 

The message “still being processed” or tax refund schedule delay may be displayed for taxpayers at times. This is likely to involve further review and verification by the IRS. 

Now that you know this, let’s move ahead and see how long does it take to get tax refund and how to check the status. 

How to Check IRS Tax Refund Status?

IRS has a few simple methods for taxpayers to follow up on their refunds. People can find out if their refund has been accepted, approved, or delayed by checking the refund status on a regular basis. 

The easiest way is the “Where’s My Refund?” feature on the IRS website. Its uses typically require you to have: 

• Your SS number or ITIN.
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount

Whatever information you want to find about refunds, in most instances, is available: 

• Within 24 hours after e-filing. 
• Approximately 30 days after sending paper returns. 

The IRS has also created its IRS2Go mobile application, which offers the same refund information right from your smartphone. Other features include tracking refunds, tax tips, payment tools, and free assistance resources. 

Reasons Why Tax Refunds are Delayed?

There are a number of reasons why tax refunds are held up. Let’s understand them here. 

Some refunds are processed without hassle, but during the tax season, it is not uncommon to experience delays. And even the minor problems on the return may lead to a longer processing time. 

These are some of the most common tax refund delays: 

• The incorrect or incomplete tax returns are filed. 
• Identity verification issues
• Claiming EITC/ACTC credits
• Amending tax returns (IRS)
• Incomplete application or documents
• Paper-filed returns
• IRS fraud prevention audits
• Going to the tax consultant during peak tax season

Also, the closer a taxpayer is to the deadline, the longer they have to wait, as the IRS receives a lot of tax returns in the close period of the deadline. 

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What to Do If Your Refund is Still Being Processed?

The “still being processed” message can be a source of stress but it doesn’t necessarily indicate serious issues with your return. For many individuals, it is only a matter of time for the IRS to review. 

If you haven’t gotten a refund after a few days or weeks, here are a few things you should do: 

• Continue checking your refund status online
• Take the time to check if your bank details are thorough and correct
• Be alert for IRS updates or notices
• Don’t file another tax return

A second return could result in double-counting and further delay the process of receiving a refund. In case the IRS requires extra proof and data, they will contact you by mail. 

When to Contact the IRS for Your Refunds?

Well, there’s actually no need to contact the IRS for refunds unless the processing days are too much longer. However, you must contact the department in cases when: 

• It has been more than 21 days since you e-filed.
• Over 6 weeks since the paper return was posted. 
• The refund tracker makes it a point to tell you to call. 
• An IRS notice was sent that requested more information. 

Please make sure to call the IRS when you have all the information, verification proofs, and references to support your case. 

Smart Ways to Use Your Tax Refunds

Tax refunds can be a great way to get a boost in your finances. Many taxpayers opt to use their refund smartly, rather than spending it all right away.

Here are a few ways to make good with your refunds: 

• Having to pay off high-interest debt. 
• Creating an emergency fund. 
• Saving for retirement and investing instruments for beginners.
• Covering essential expenses. 
• Saving for a home loan. 
• Investing in education or career development. 

Making the best use of your refund can help position you with better financial stability in the short and long run. 

Final Thoughts 

So, how long does it require to receive tax refund money? Most taxpayers receive their refunds within 21 days when they e-file and opt for direct deposit. The actual processing time is contingent on several things, including the accuracy of the filing, the tax credits being claimed, and the type of filing method used. 

To prevent delays you should: 

• File electronically.
• Choose direct deposit.
• Double- check all information.
• File as early as possible. 

These are some preparations that can help you get your refund quicker and with less hassle. 

FAQs 

Sources 

• Where’s My Refund– By IRS 
• Tax Refunds – By USAGov