Most people receive their tax refunds within 21 days of filing electronically, with the fastest turnaround (often by late February or early March) for those who file early in January. For the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), the IRS begins accepting returns around late January, meaning most receive their direct deposit shortly after.
You can generally expect your California tax refund in up to three weeks for e-filed returns and up to three months for paper returns, but some returns need extra review, causing delays; check the official California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) "Where's My Refund?" tool using your SSN, ZIP code, and exact refund amount for personalized status.
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.
The IRS issues most refunds in fewer than 21 calendar days. You can check the status of your refund with “Where's my refund?” on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app.
Do IRS refunds ever get deposited on weekends? The IRS issues refunds only on business days. However, some banks may post deposits on Saturdays if funds are received late on a Friday.
Arizona's average tax refund is $3,200.
The IRS Where's My Refund tool updates once daily, usually overnight, so checking more often isn't necessary; you'll see status changes as your return moves from "Refund Received" to "Refund Approved" and then "Refund Sent," with most e-filed refunds issued within 21 days, but it can take longer if there are errors or extra review needed.
For e-filed returns with direct deposit, the IRS usually issues refunds within 21 days, but it can be faster (a few days after approval) or slower if there are errors, fraud, or missing info, with paper returns taking 6+ weeks; use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool for status updates.
What causes an IRS refund delay?
Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It's available anytime on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App.
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.
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.
tool to check the status of a tax refund within 24 hours of filing. It takes about four weeks for the same information to be available for those filing paper returns. The tool is available 24/7, and is a fast, easy way for taxpayers to get information about a refund without needing to call the IRS.
The following tax refund table is based on previous refund tables released by the IRS to help taxpayers determine when they can expect to receive their tax refunds. The IRS issued refunds only once a week under the old system. They now issue refunds every business day, Monday through Friday (except holidays).
Generally, the amount of time is based on your filing date and you'll get your refund within 21 days after you e-file. (Paper filed returns can take much longer.) If you file before the IRS opens, you need to wait for the IRS open date (usually in late-January) before starting the 21-day clock.
When you use TurboTax to file your tax return, you can also check your e-file status on our website, or use our mobile app to track your refund. When using the IRS's online tool, it isn't necessary to check back every day. The IRS only updates your refund status information once per week on Wednesdays.
States with highest average tax refunds
Up to 21 days for an e-filed return. 6 weeks or more for returns sent by mail.
Usually, you'll receive your direct deposit by 9 a.m. on your payday — and sometimes even earlier. But banks may wait up to a business day to release your funds.
Request an expedited refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD 800-829-4059). Request a manual refund expedited to you.