Key Takeaways
• When you e-file, it typically takes 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to accept your return.
• Once your return is accepted, you are on the IRS’ refund timetable.
• The IRS typically issues refunds in less than 21 days.
• You can use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to check on the status of your refund, beginning 24 hours after you e-file. The IRS will provide an actual refund date as soon as your tax return and refund are approved.
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"Where's my tax refund?"
Ever wonder what happens between e-filing your tax return and receiving your refund?
Here is what really happens when you press that green button and transmit your tax return.
- First, we "stamp" the return with an electronic postmark, and then we send it to the government.
- Then we both wait 24 to 48 hours for the IRS to accept your return.
- What are they doing? They are checking your personal information to make sure it matches their records.
- If everything looks good, the IRS accepts your return.
Once you are accepted, you are on the IRS payment timetable. Only the IRS knows the status of processing your tax return, whether you owe taxes or are due a refund. In prior years, the IRS issued more than 9 out of 10 refunds to taxpayers in less than 21 days last year. The same results are expected for 2021.
TurboTax Tip: You can use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to check on the status of your refund, beginning 24 hours after you e-file. The IRS will provide an actual refund date as soon as your tax return and refund are approved.
Once you have e-filed your tax return, there are a few ways to check the status of your refund:
- You can use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool (fastest option)
- Call the IRS at 800-829-1954
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The tool will get you personalized refund information based on the processing of your tax return. They will provide an actual refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. Most refunds will be issued in less than 21 days. You can start checking the status of your refund within 24 hours after you have e-filed your return.
Remember, the fastest way to get your refund is to e-file and choose direct deposit.
Other tools and refund delays
You can also use the TurboTax Where's My Refund tracking guide that will show you how to check the status of your tax refund and common reasons for delays.
These articles explain in more detail what may cause a delay:
- Where's My Refund? Top 5 Reasons It's Been Delayed
- Delays Due to Claiming the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit
- Why is my IRS refund taking longer than 21 days?
Remember, with TurboTax, we'll ask you simple questions about your life and help you fill out all the right tax forms. With TurboTax, you can be confident your taxes are done right, from simple to complex tax returns, no matter what your situation.
