If I Filed My Taxes on January 24, When Will I Get My Refund?

Filing taxes early can be a smart move, especially if you’re expecting a refund. The IRS begins processing returns in late January, and many taxpayers want to know when they’ll receive their money. While the process is generally straightforward, several factors can influence the timing.

Typical Processing Timelines

Once a tax return is submitted, the IRS verifies the information before issuing refunds. For electronically filed returns with direct deposit, refunds are typically processed within 21 days. Filing on January 24, for example, could mean receiving a refund by mid-February, assuming no issues arise. Paper returns take longer, often requiring six to eight weeks due to manual processing.

The IRS started accepting 2024 tax returns on January 29. Early filers who submitted before this date had their returns queued for processing. Automated systems check for errors, verify income, and confirm eligibility for credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Under the PATH Act, refunds involving these credits cannot be issued before mid-February.

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund, while paper checks take additional time for printing and mailing. The IRS processes direct deposits in batches, often issuing payments on Wednesdays and Fridays. Paper checks are subject to postal delays, which can add another week or more.

Factors That Could Delay Payment

Errors in a tax return can slow processing, especially if they require manual review. Mistakes such as incorrect Social Security numbers, mismatched income figures, or miscalculations can trigger IRS scrutiny. If an issue is flagged, the IRS may send a notice requesting additional information, delaying the refund until resolved.

Fraud prevention measures also contribute to delays. The IRS uses algorithms to detect suspicious filings, particularly those involving identity theft or fraudulent refunds. If flagged, the IRS may request identity verification before releasing funds. Taxpayers selected for verification must respond promptly to IRS letters, such as the 5071C notice, which requires confirming identity online or by phone.

Debt obligations can also affect refund timing. If a filer owes back taxes, child support, or defaulted federal student loans, the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) may divert all or part of the refund to cover these debts. Taxpayers can check for offsets through the Bureau of the Fiscal Service before filing.

Tracking Refunds

Taxpayers can monitor their refund status using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which updates daily and provides three stages: return received, refund approved, and refund sent. To access it, taxpayers need to enter their Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount.

The IRS2Go mobile app offers another way to check refund status. It functions similarly to the online tool and provides real-time updates. Once a refund is marked as sent, the timing of the deposit depends on the financial institution. Some banks process deposits immediately, while others may take a few business days.

What to Do If Payment Is Not Received

If the expected refund date has passed without funds arriving, the next step is determining whether the IRS issued the payment. Incorrect banking information on the return can cause a deposit to be rejected. In such cases, the IRS mails a paper check to the address on file, which may take several additional weeks to arrive. If a check was sent but not received, taxpayers can request a payment trace using IRS Form 3911.

For direct deposits, financial institutions may hold funds temporarily if the name on the refund does not match the bank account holder’s name exactly. Some banks automatically return mismatched deposits to the IRS, requiring the agency to reissue the refund as a check. Contacting the bank to confirm whether the deposit was received but placed on hold can provide clarity.