The IRS processes tax returns as it receives them. If you file your tax return electronically, the IRS will generally process direct deposit refunds within 7-10 days of receiving your tax return and will process paper checks within about two weeks. Filing a paper tax return can delay your refund for up to several weeks. So stop asking yourself questions like “My refund is not coming”, “Where is my refund?”, “Where are my taxes?”, “How long does the electronic tax refund take?”
When it comes to filing the federal income tax return, there are a few questions that worry people more than any other: how much taxes will I pay, how much will they return on my income tax return, and when will I receive them? Everything else, as they say, is just details.
There is no quick and easy answer to the first two questions. However, we can give you a rough idea of ​​when you will receive your tax refund – but only if you file your federal taxes electronically using a software program or with IRS E-File. 9 out of 10 taxpayers receive their tax refunds within 21 days when they electronically file their returns. Wait longer if you file your return on paper because the IRS takes longer to process your documentation.
Due to changes in the IRS audit system, they no longer publish a full calendar as they did in previous years. It is based on IRS returns, published guidelines, and prior-year estimates. This IRS refund program should only be used as a rough guide.
If you filed your taxes with E-File, you should receive confirmation that your federal tax return was accepted by the IRS. This date will go in the left column. If you didn’t file your taxes electronically, then you won’t have a confirmed date as to when your tax return was accepted, and paper tax returns are entered manually by IRS employees, so the process takes longer.
Note that it may take a few days for your financial institution to make your deposit available to you, or it may take several days for the check to arrive in the mail. Keep this in mind when planning to use your tax refund. The IRS states that you must allow an additional 5 days for the funds to be available to you. In almost all cases, a direct deposit will get your tax refund faster than 5 days, and in some cases, it will be available immediately.
