Tax guides
How long does an IRS refund take?
Reviewed by Ahmad Odeh, Enrolled Agent ·
According to the IRS, most refunds are issued in less than 21 days when the return is filed electronically. This guide explains what gets a refund to you faster, what slows it down, and how to find out where yours is.
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The fastest way: e-file and Direct Deposit
A return filed electronically reaches the IRS in minutes, while a paper return takes weeks just to be processed. If you also choose Direct Deposit, your refund goes straight into your bank account, with no waiting for a check in the mail.
What can delay your refund
- Mistakes on the return, such as a Social Security number or a name that doesn't match the records.
- Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit: by law, the IRS can't issue those refunds before mid-February.
- The IRS needing to verify your identity or review your return.
- Outstanding debts, such as taxes from prior years or child support, which can be taken out of your refund.
How to check the status of your refund
On IRS.gov, the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows the status of your refund. You need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact amount of your refund. You can usually check about 24 hours after the IRS accepts your e-filed return.
With Vordana Tax, you can also see in your account when the IRS accepted your return.
Questions
Can I get my refund faster by paying more?
No. The IRS decides when it issues your refund. What does help is filing electronically, choosing Direct Deposit, and making sure your information is correct.
The IRS accepted my return. Is my refund on the way?
Acceptance means your return passed the IRS's initial checks. After that, the IRS processes it and issues the refund; according to the IRS, most are issued in less than 21 days.
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