The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit. However, some returns have errors or need more review and may take longer to process.
The best way to get your refund quickly is to e-file your return and elect to receive the refund by direct deposit. For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025, the vast majority of e-filers (who also use direct deposit for refunds) can expect to receive their refund within 21 days, as has been the case in previous years.
If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit. You can have a refund check mailed to you, or you may be able to have your refund deposited directly into your bank account.
The best and fastest way to get your tax refund is to have it electronically deposited for free into your financial account. The IRS program is called direct deposit. You can use it to deposit your refund into one, two or even three accounts.
While a person can choose direct deposit whether they file their taxes on paper or electronically, a taxpayer who e-files will typically see their refund in less than 21 days. Taxpayers can track their refund using "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov or by downloading the IRS2Go mobile app.
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. Refund information is updated on the IRS website once a day, overnight. Remember, the fastest way to get your refund is to e-file and choose direct deposit.
If you'd rather get your refund cash now, you can turn to a tax refund loan (also known as a refund advance loan). This is a short-term loan you can take against a portion of your estimated tax refund, and it's typically offered by your tax preparation service right after you file.
Generally, the IRS can include returns filed within the last three years in an audit. If we identify a substantial error, we may add additional years. We usually don't go back more than the last six years. The IRS tries to audit tax returns as soon as possible after they are filed.
If you qualify for an Early Tax Refund Advance, you could get up to $1,500 as early as December 16, 2024. No Fee Tax Refund Advance is available to qualified applicants starting January 2, 2025.
If you're facing serious financial difficulties and need your refund immediately contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. We may be able to expedite your refund.
In some cases, you can call the IRS to check the status of your tax return. Individual taxpayers can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed your return. It's been six weeks since you mailed a paper tax return.
The IRS has been known to issue refunds in 8 days. The 21 days is their standard blurb. But they can be sooner than 21 days.
The bank cannot issue an immediate refund as the request has to be authorized by the merchant first. Once the merchant approves your request, they will give their bank authorization to return the funds to your account. The process typically takes between 3–10 business days.
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.
This IRS initiative provides much-needed financial relief for those who were left out of previous stimulus payments. The $1,400 payment will be automatically issued to eligible taxpayers, offering a seamless way to claim this relief.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059).
The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days of when you electronically filed your tax return, and longer for paper returns. Find out why your refund may be delayed or may not be the amount you expected.
For approved borrowers, Refund Advance loan offers potential relief from this tax refund delay. In fact, with a Refund Advance loan, you could get money in minutes of filing starting January 3, 2025. Some tax refund loan programs make you wait until the IRS is open in late January to receive funds.
The Early Tax Refund Advance loan provides a tax refund advance before filing, helping cover unexpected expenses during the holidays. Starting December 16, 2024, you can apply for up to $1,500 with same-day access on a prepaid card if approved. The loan amounts range from $100 to $1,500.
You're filing certain IRS forms (1310, 4852, 4684, 4868, 1040SS, 1040PR, 1040X, 8888, or 8862). Your expected refund amount is less than $500. You didn't receive Forms W-2 or 1099-R, or you're not reporting income on Schedule C.