WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminds taxpayers that the most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where’s My Refund? tool at IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go Mobile App.
Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received. In addition, Where’s My Refund provides a personalized date after the return is processed and a refund is approved.
Go paperless
Now more than ever, the safest and best way to file a complete and accurate tax return and get a refund is to file electronically and use direct deposit. Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/filing for more details about IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms and free tax preparation sites. E-filing is also available through a trusted tax professional.
Refund timing
While most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, some may take longer because the return requires additional review.
There are several reasons a tax refund may take long:
- The return may include errors or be incomplete.
- The return could be affected by identity theft or fraud.
- The return includes a claim for the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.
- The time between the IRS issuing the refund and the bank posting it to an account since many banks do not process payments on weekends or holidays.
The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return.
Taxpayers claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on their tax return will not cause a delay in the processing of that tax return. However, it is important that taxpayers claim the correct amount. If a correction is needed, there may be a slight delay in processing the return and the IRS will send a notice explaining any change made. Refunds may be delayed while the IRS makes any necessary corrections.
