IRS refund status: How long does it take to get your tax refund?

If you’re like most taxpayers, once you’re done with your tax preparation you’re probably wondering “how do I check my refund status?” or “how long it will take to get my refund?” These questions are especially important if you’re tax filing will result in a large refund amount. Follow along as we share some important insight about your tax refund status, to leave no questions unanswered about IRS refund dates.

Where’s my tax refund?

Your IRS refund status depends on two things: when and how you file.

• When you file: If you file your federal tax return early in the season, you’ll likely receive your tax refund sooner. However, if you wait to file your tax return close to the filing deadline, it may take longer to process because more returns are filed at this time. As the tax deadline gets closer, the IRS gets more tax returns, which creates a backup and slows down processing.
• How you file: How long it takes to get your IRS tax refund also depends on the way you file taxes. To get your refund sooner, e-file your income tax return. The process for e-filing your federal return moves along much more quickly than if you mail in a paper return.

When will I get my tax refund?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t provide an exact date your refund will arrive. Generally, the amount of time is based on your filing date and you’ll get your refund 21 days after you e-file. (Paper filed returns can take much longer.)

If you file before the IRS opens, you need to wait for the IRS open date (usually in late-January) before starting the 21-day clock. Learn more in our post that covers “When can I file my taxes?”

You can make an appointment with an H&R Block tax pro or file online before the time that e-file opens to have your return prepared. We will hold your prepared return until the IRS begins accepting tax returns.

How long does it take to get a tax refund?

This IRS refund schedule can help taxpayers get a general idea of when to expect their tax refund:

Estimated Time to Receive Refund	E-file / Direct Deposit	E-file / Mailed Check	Paper File / Direct Deposit or Mailed Check
Up to 3 weeks (21 days)1
Up to 3 weeks (21 days)2
Up to 8 weeks (42 to 56 days)3

1 – This is usually fastest method to receive refund.

2 – Receiving a paper refund check in the mail may take longer than choosing direct deposit. Most e-filed returns are processed within 21 days.

3 – Paper-filed returns generally take 6 to 8 weeks for the IRS to process and send your refund.

Do you want access to money faster than the IRS can provide a tax refund? Learn how refund advance may help.

How to check your tax refund status of e-filed returns

If you e-filed this tax year, you can check your refund status online a number of ways. You can also check the status of your tax refund by:

1. Using H&R Block refund status tool: Track the status of your federal tax refund using our “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Note that you cannot check the status of your e-filed return until 24 hours after filing.
2. Calling the IRS: Call 800-829-4477 for the IRS TeleTax System or 800-829-1954 the IRS Refund Hotline. If the IRS has processed your return, the system will tell you the date your refund will be sent. (Note: TeleTax’s refund statuses are updated every weekend. If you don’t receive an estimated refund date, try again the following week.)
3. Checking online at the IRS website: Visit Where’s My Refund? page on the IRS website. Then, click on the “Check Your Refund” button.

Federal tax refund status best practices

Set yourself up for success by preparing some info in advance. Have your return on hand, since you’ll need it to answer some questions. To check IRS refund status details, you’ll need to provide your:

• Social Security number (SSN) or another taxpayer identification number
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount shown on the return

What could cause my refund to be delayed?

If the IRS still hasn’t accepted your return and issued a refund, you may be wondering what’s causing the slowdown. Common reasons for a tax refund delay include if:

• You claimed tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit and it is before mid-February. IRS does not begin releasing refunds with these credits until mid-February.
• Your return is incorrect or incomplete.
• You filed an amended tax return.
• Your return was sent by mail.
• You filed late.
• Someone else filed using your Social Security number.

Why is my refund less than expected?

While the average tax refund for the 2023 filing season was $3,167 according to the IRS, not everyone should expect that amount.

If your refund is less than expected, there may be a few reasons for it:

• You have made a mathematical error or some other mistake on your return.
• The Treasury Offset Program intercepted your refund to pay past-due debts including:

• Late federal or state taxes
  • Back child support
  • Past-due non-tax federal debts, like student loans

You should receive a notice explaining the mistake or any adjustments and offsets made to your refund. It includes explanations of reductions for prior debts. Since your refund check and the notice can come from different IRS processing locations, you might receive the explanation after you receive the refund check.

What about my state tax refund?

Similar to federal tax refunds, the length of time it takes to get state refunds depends on how you file and choose to receive the money. Each state has its own timelines, so look on your state’s government tax website for a state tax refund status tool to check on the refund status. Most states require you to provide your Social Security number (SSN) and your expected state refund amount to view your refund status.

Get more information about your state tax refund status.

Get help with your tax refund status

If you need more guidance on other tax-related topics, let us help. Whether you choose to file with a tax pro or file with H&R Block Online, you can rest assured that we’ll get you the biggest refund possible.