How Long Does It Normally Take to Get Your Taxes Back?
Learn how long tax refunds typically take, factors that affect processing times, and what to do if your refund is delayed.
Waiting for a tax refund can be frustrating, especially if you’re relying on that money. The time it takes to receive your refund depends on several factors, including how you file and whether there are any issues with your return.
Standard Federal Processing Times
The IRS processes most electronically filed refunds within 21 days, while paper returns can take six weeks or longer. These estimates assume no errors or additional reviews. The IRS begins accepting returns in late January, and early filers often receive refunds sooner unless extra verification is needed.
Refunds involving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are delayed under the PATH Act, which prevents the IRS from issuing them before mid-February. This delay allows time to verify income and prevent fraudulent claims.
Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund, while paper checks take longer due to printing and mailing times. If a refund is split between multiple accounts, additional verification steps may slightly extend processing time.
Differences Between Electronic and Paper Returns
Electronic filing is faster and more reliable than mailing a paper return. The IRS processes e-filed returns using automated systems that verify information and flag discrepancies, reducing manual handling and speeding up refunds.
Paper returns take longer because they must be physically received, sorted, and entered manually. Errors like incorrect Social Security numbers or miscalculations can cause further delays, as IRS employees must review and correct them. A missing signature can result in the return being sent back for correction, adding weeks to the process.
Paper returns also carry the risk of being lost or delayed in the mail. If a return goes missing, taxpayers may have to resubmit it, restarting the process. Electronic filing eliminates this risk by providing immediate confirmation of receipt.
Tracking Your Refund Status
The IRS provides an online tool, “Where’s My Refund?”, which allows taxpayers to check their refund status within 24 hours of e-filing or four weeks after mailing a paper return. The tool updates daily and tracks three stages: Return Received, Refund Approved, and Refund Sent.
For mobile access, the IRS2Go app offers the same tracking features. To check a refund’s progress, taxpayers need their Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. If a delay or adjustment occurs, further details may be available by calling the IRS Refund Hotline, though wait times can be long during peak tax season.
Potential Reasons for Delays
Some returns require additional review due to discrepancies between reported income and IRS records. If W-2s or 1099s don’t match what was reported, the IRS may request further documentation, delaying processing. Taxpayers with multiple income sources, such as freelance earnings or investment dividends, are more likely to experience these delays if all forms are not properly accounted for.
Suspected identity theft or fraud can also slow refunds. The IRS uses automated filters to detect suspicious activity, such as multiple returns filed under the same Social Security number or inconsistencies with prior-year filings. If flagged, the IRS may require identity verification before processing continues. Taxpayers may receive Letter 5071C instructing them to verify their identity online, by phone, or in person. Failing to respond promptly can cause further delays, and in some cases, refunds may be withheld until verification is completed.
Corrections or Amended Filings
If errors are found after submitting a return, or if new information affects reported income, deductions, or credits, taxpayers may need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Amended returns must be submitted on paper, even if the original was e-filed, and can take up to 20 weeks or longer to process.
Basic math errors or missing forms, such as a forgotten 1099, don’t always require an amendment. The IRS automatically corrects simple mistakes and adjusts refunds accordingly. However, if a correction results in a higher refund or lower tax liability, an amended return is necessary. Taxpayers should wait until the original return is fully processed before submitting a correction to avoid confusion or further delays.