Most taxpayers receive their federal tax refund within 21 days after the IRS accepts an electronically filed tax return and direct deposit information. However, some refunds take longer if the IRS needs additional time to review the return.
How Long Does It Take to Get My Tax Refund?
The IRS says most taxpayers receive their federal refund within 21 days after:
- The IRS accepts an electronically filed return.
- Direct deposit is selected as the refund method.
Every tax return is different. Some returns require additional review before the IRS can issue a refund.
Your refund may take longer if:
- You filed a paper return.
- You did not choose direct deposit.
- Information on your return is incomplete or incorrect.
- The IRS needs to verify your identity.
- The IRS needs additional time to review your return.
Electronic Returns vs. Paper Returns
Electronic (e-filed) returns are usually processed much faster than paper returns.
Paper returns must be manually processed by the IRS. Because of this, it can take several weeks before refund information becomes available.
How Will I Receive My Refund?
Most taxpayers receive their refund through direct deposit.
Direct deposit allows the IRS to send your refund electronically to:
- A checking account
- A savings account
- Certain prepaid debit cards
- Other eligible financial accounts
Direct deposit is usually the fastest and most secure way to receive a refund.
Why Does the IRS Recommend Direct Deposit?
According to the IRS, direct deposit can:
- Reduce the risk of lost or stolen payments
- Provide faster access to refund money
- Improve payment security
- Reduce processing costs
Because electronic payments are generally more secure than paper checks, the IRS encourages taxpayers to choose direct deposit whenever possible.
What If I Don't Have a Bank Account?
The IRS provides options for taxpayers who do not have a traditional bank account. Depending on IRS rules for the tax year, alternatives may include:
- Certain prepaid debit cards
- Digital payment options
- Other approved refund delivery methods
Review the refund options available when filing your return.
Will Certain Tax Credits Delay My Refund?
Possibly. If you claim the:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - A tax credit for certain taxpayers who have earned income from working.
- Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) - The refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit that may increase a taxpayer's refund.
federal law requires the IRS to hold refunds until at least mid-February.
Why Are These Refunds Held?
The IRS performs additional reviews on these returns to help prevent:
- Identity theft
- Fraudulent refund claims
Many taxpayers who file early, e-file, and select direct deposit receive their refund by early March if no issues are found.
How Do I Check My Refund Status?
The fastest way to check your federal refund status is by using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool.
Refund information is generally available about 24 hours after the IRS accepts an electronically filed return.
What Information Will I Need?
To access your refund status, you will need:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your filing status
- Your expected refund amount
What Do the Refund Status Messages Mean?
The IRS tool generally shows one of three statuses:
- Return Received – The IRS has received your return and is processing it.
- Refund Approved – The IRS has approved your refund.
- Refund Sent – The IRS has sent your refund.
Important
The IRS updates refund information once each day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times during the same day generally will not provide new information.
Can I Still Receive My Refund by Paper Check?
The IRS continues to encourage taxpayers to receive refunds electronically through direct deposit because it is typically faster and more secure than receiving a paper check.
When filing your return, carefully review your refund delivery method and make sure your account information is accurate.
Note: The IRS announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers are being phased out beginning September 30, 2025. Most refunds will be delivered through direct deposit or other approved electronic payment methods. Taxpayers who do not have a traditional bank account may have alternative electronic options available. The IRS will contact those affected by mail.
Why Is My Refund Delayed?
A delayed refund does not always mean there is a problem with your return.
Some returns simply require additional review before the IRS can finish processing them.
Common reasons for refund delays include:
- Errors on the return
- Missing information
- Incorrect Social Security numbers
- Identity verification requirements
- Possible identity theft concerns
- Additional IRS review
- Claims for the EITC or ACTC
- Filing a paper return
- Filing Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation
- Incorrect direct deposit account information
What Is Form 8379?
Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation helps protect one spouse's share of a joint refund when the other spouse owes certain past-due debts. Processing may take longer when Form 8379 is filed.
What Should I Do If It Has Been More Than 21 Days?
If it has been more than 21 days since the IRS accepted your electronically filed return:
- Check the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool.
- Review any messages or requests from the IRS.
- Confirm that your refund amount and banking information were entered correctly.
The tool may show:
- Whether the IRS received your return
- Whether your refund has been approved
- Whether additional information is needed
- Whether the refund amount changed during processing
If the IRS requests additional information, respond as soon as possible to avoid further delays.
What If I Used File & Go?
If you selected File & Go and chose to have filing fees deducted from your refund, you may be able to track the refund transfer process through the refund-processing bank once the IRS releases the funds.
Available information may include:
- Refund funding status
- Fee deductions
- Deposit information
- Check information, if applicable
Important
TaxSlayer does not issue federal tax refunds.
Refunds are issued by:
- The IRS
- A state tax agency
- An authorized banking partner involved in refund processing
How Do I Enter Direct Deposit Information in the Program?
Navigation
Federal > Basic Information > Refund and Payment Options
Steps
- Select your preferred refund method.
- Enter your bank routing number.
- Enter your account number.
- Confirm whether the account is checking or savings.
- Review the information carefully before submitting your return.
Entering incorrect banking information may delay your refund or prevent direct deposit.
What Should I Do Next?
If your return was recently accepted, continue monitoring the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool for updates.
If your refund is delayed, review any IRS notices you receive and make sure all information on your return is accurate.
For the most current information about your refund, rely on IRS refund status tools and IRS correspondence.