You'll generally receive your 2024 federal tax refund within 21 days if you e-file with direct deposit, but it can take longer if there are errors, fraud concerns, or if you claimed certain credits like the EITC, requiring extra review. Paper returns take significantly longer (weeks or months). Use the IRS's Where's My Refund? tool or the IRS2Go app to track your personalized status after filing, as updates are daily (usually overnight).
The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days of when you electronically filed your tax return, and longer for paper returns.
Arizona state tax refund times vary, with e-filers often getting refunds in a couple of weeks via direct deposit, while paper returns can take 8 to 10 weeks or more due to processing and fraud checks; e-filing with direct deposit is the fastest, but all returns face review, so check the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) website at AZTaxes.gov using your Social Security number, filing status, and zip code for status updates.
Most IRS refunds are issued within 21 days of e-filing, but some taxpayers will experience delays in 2025. Common causes for refund delays include errors on returns, identity verification, and claims for certain credits. The fastest way to receive your refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit.
You generally shouldn't worry if your refund is "still being processed," as it means the IRS is working on it, but it might take longer than the typical 21 days due to common issues like errors, incomplete information, or claiming credits like the EITC/ACTC. Worry only becomes necessary if you receive an IRS letter requesting more information or if the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows a specific problem like fraud, but typically, it just means a longer wait, not no refund at all.
The IRS doesn't have a strict maximum time limit for issuing refunds, but generally processes e-filed returns with direct deposit within 21 days, while paper returns take 6 weeks or more, with longer waits for those claiming certain credits (EITC/ACTC) or if errors occur. If the IRS holds your refund for more than 45 days past the tax deadline (or filing date if late), they owe you interest, but significant delays (months) can happen for complex issues or extra reviews, sometimes requiring a mailed notice.
The IRS typically processes tax refunds and executes direct deposit transactions within 21 days after accepting your tax return. It's common for the IRS to issue them on business days, from Monday through Friday. Learn how to speak to someone at IRS.
Arizona's average tax refund is $3,200.
What causes an IRS refund delay?
If your return was submitted more than 21 days ago, you may wish to contact the IRS to see if more information is required. You may be asked to verify information contained on your return, your identity or your banking information. Please have your return available when you call.
"Being processed", means the IRS must first process your return and then approve your refund. Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days after they receive your tax return, it's possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.
The IRS states that 9 out of 10 refunds are processed within 21 days from the date the return is accepted.
You likely received $1400 from the IRS today as a supplemental payment for the 2021 Economic Impact Payment (EIP3), specifically the Recovery Rebate Credit, for people who missed it by not claiming it or leaving it blank on their 2021 tax return. These are "plus-up" payments for those eligible for the third stimulus but didn't get the full amount, often for dependents or due to income changes, with a deadline to claim it by April 2025 by filing a 2021 return if you hadn't already.
Nine U.S. states currently have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming, though Washington taxes some capital gains, and New Hampshire recently repealed its tax on interest/dividends as of 2025. These states often rely on other revenue sources, like higher sales or property taxes, so a lack of income tax doesn't always mean lower overall taxes.
24 hours after you e-file a current-year return. 3 or 4 days after you e-file a prior-year return. 4 weeks after you file a paper return.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.
Yes, you can get your tax refund before the official due date, often by filing early and using direct deposit, with some tax software even offering to deliver it up to 5 days sooner than the IRS's processing date, though the IRS legally holds Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds until mid-February. Your bank or financial institution also plays a role, as some release funds upon receipt of the electronic transfer, while others wait for the official post date, but filing early speeds up the overall IRS process, typically within 21 days for most non-EITC/ACTC refunds.
Contact the IRS if: It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed. The Where's My Refund?
You must offer a refund to customers if they've told you within 14 days of receiving their item that they want to cancel. They have another 14 days to return the item once they've told you. You must refund the customer within 14 days of receiving the item back.
The IRS uses a combination of automated and human processes to select which tax returns to audit. Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit.