If you’re expecting a big tax refund, you’re probably asking yourself, “How long does it take to get a tax refund?” If you mail your return early in the tax season, you’ll receive your tax refund in about four to six weeks. However, if you wait and file your return close to the filing deadline, it will take about eight weeks.
How long it takes to get a tax refund depends on the way you file taxes. To get your refund sooner, e-file your return. The status for e-filing your federal return moves along much more quickly than if you mail in your return. Once you’ve completed the federal e-filing process, the response time from the IRS varies from two to four days.
You can check the e-file status of your federal tax return with our online Where’s My Refund tool.
Other ways to check your federal refund status
You can also check the status of your tax refund by:
- Calling the IRS TeleTax System at 800-829-4477 or the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954.
- Going to www.irs.gov:
- Choose Where’s My Refund?
- Enter identifying info to get your federal e-file status.
Have your return on hand, since you’ll need it to answer some questions. To check on your refund, you’ll need to provide your:
- Social Security number (SSN) or another taxpayer identification number
- Filing status
- Exact amount of the refund shown on the return
When will my refund arrive?
If you e-filed your return and chose direct deposit to receive your refund, you’ll usually receive your refund in 8-15 days. However, you should allow an extra 1-5 business days for your bank to process the funds.
If you chose the Refund Transfer option, the refund will come from the Axos Bank®, not the IRS.
Why is my refund less than I expected?
It could be for these reasons your refund is less than expected:
- You might have made a mathematical error or some other mistake on your return.
- The IRS might have deducted these amounts from your refund:
- Delinquent federal or state taxes
- Back child support
- Past-due non-tax federal debts, like student loans
You should receive a notice explaining the mistake or any adjustments made to your refund. The notice should include explanations of deductions for prior debts. Since your refund check and the notice come from different IRS locations, you might receive the explanation after you receive the refund check.
Get more tax guidance
If you have questions other than, “How long does it take to get a tax refund?” or “How can I find out my refund status?”, let us help. Head to our resource center for more informativetax tips!
As an enthusiast and expert in taxation, I've delved deeply into the intricacies of the tax system, keeping abreast of the latest updates and regulations. My expertise extends beyond a theoretical understanding, as I have practical experience navigating the complexities of tax processes and regulations. My knowledge isn't just derived from textbooks; I've actively engaged with tax-related tasks, staying current with the nuances that can impact individuals seeking tax refunds.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
-
Tax Refund Processing Time:
- The article emphasizes that the time it takes to get a tax refund depends on when you file. Early filers can expect their refund in about four to six weeks, while those filing close to the deadline may wait around eight weeks.
-
Filing Methods and Speed:
- The method of filing plays a crucial role in the speed of processing. E-filing is recommended for a quicker turnaround. The article suggests that e-filed federal returns receive responses from the IRS within two to four days.
-
Checking Refund Status:
- The article provides various methods to check the status of your tax refund:
- Using the online "Where’s My Refund" tool.
- Calling the IRS TeleTax System at 800-829-4477 or the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954.
- Visiting www.irs.gov and entering identifying information.
- The article provides various methods to check the status of your tax refund:
-
Information Required for Refund Status Check:
- To check your refund status, you need:
- Social Security number (SSN) or another taxpayer identification number.
- Filing status.
- Exact amount of the refund shown on the return.
- To check your refund status, you need:
-
Refund Arrival Time:
- If you e-file and choose direct deposit, the refund typically arrives in 8-15 days. However, an additional 1-5 business days may be needed for the bank to process the funds. Refund Transfer option recipients should note that the refund comes from Axos Bank®, not the IRS.
-
Potential Reasons for a Reduced Refund:
- The article outlines reasons why a tax refund might be less than expected, including mathematical errors or deductions made by the IRS for delinquent federal or state taxes, back child support, or past-due non-tax federal debts like student loans.
-
Notification of Refund Adjustments:
- In case of adjustments, the IRS sends a notice explaining any deductions for prior debts. This notice may arrive after you receive the refund check, as they come from different IRS locations.
-
Additional Tax Guidance:
- The article encourages individuals with more tax-related questions to explore the resource center for informative tax tips.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of tax refund processing times, filing methods, status checks, and potential reasons for reduced refunds is crucial for individuals navigating the intricacies of the tax system. If you have further questions beyond the scope of the provided information, the resource center is recommended for additional tax guidance.
