One of the most pressing questions in the life of an early tax filer – when can I expect my tax refund to come? Before e-filing, this was always difficult to predict. First, you mail in your return. Then someone inputs all your information (and later, computers scanned in your information), then the Treasury had to issue a check, which was then mailed to you. Now, with a free IRS e-file, you can get your refund in as little as 8 days from when you file, if you elect for direct deposit.
For 9 out of 10 taxpayers, the IRS issued refunds in less than 21 days from the date the return was received last year. Skip right to the 2023 estimated tax refund calendar here >>
The IRS has not announced when it will start accepting tax returns in 2023. Based on past years and our experience, we are estimating that the IRS will open eFile on January 23, 2023.
However, many tax programs do allow you to file early - and some lucky filers even get accepted into test batches with the IRS.
2023 Tax Deadline: Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
April 15 is a Saturday, and Monday April 17 is Emancipation Day, so the deadline gets moved to the next business day - Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
The IRS does not release a calendar, but continues to issue guidance that most filers should receive their refund within 21 days. They also remind filers that many tax software programs allow you to submit your taxes before the start of tax season. However, these software programs don't eFile until the IRS opens the system (with a few minor exceptions for testing).
Also, you are legally allowed to mail in your 2022 tax return starting on January 1, 2023. However, if you mail in your return, you can expect to add at least 12 weeks to your processing time (at the low end). Make sure you understand all the tax deadlines here.
We also have put together an IRS Where's My Refund FAQ and Questions for common issues people are seeing this year.
Table of Contents
Early Filers - You Will See A Delay In Your Refund
2023 IRS Refund Schedule Chart
Prior Years' Tax Refund Calendars
IRS Refund Status - How To Track Your Refund
Important Notice For Tax Time
Tax Refund FAQ
Early Filers - You Will See A Delay In Your Refund
Early filers typically see a delay every year. We're hoping that this will likely not be as much of an issue this year due to minimal tax code changes, but we could see some curve balls.
Remember, Congress passed a law that requires the IRS to HOLD all tax refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until February 15, 2023, regardless of how early the tax return was filed. So, if you file on the first day, you might still be waiting until February 15 for your refund.
The IRS typically provides updates with direct deposit dates, assuming there are no other problems with the tax returns. We expect the actual first direct deposits to arrive the first week of February, similar to previous years.
The goal of this is to cut down on fraud and give the IRS time to ensure no duplicate returns are filed. The trouble is, the IRS will hold your entire tax refund, not just the EITC or ACTC part.
When you get your refund, don't let it go to waste! Make sure you put it in a high yield savings account ASAP!
Save Your Tax Return
If you're looking to get your tax return faster, check out GO2bank, which allows faster money deposits from the government - whether tax refunds or future stimulus checks. You can potentially receive your government payment several days earlier than you normally would. Open a GO2bank checking account here >>
Also, check out this list of banks that allow you to get your tax refund a few days early.
While getting your tax return is exciting, consider saving it in one of these top savings accounts.
Or, check out Discover Bank Savings, which currently is offering up to a $200 bonus if you open your first account by March 15, 2023 online, by phone, or in the Discover App using the code TCI323. You must apply by March 15, 2023, fund the account within 30 days of opening it, and complete the qualifying activities within 30 days of opening. Check out Discover Savings here >>
2023 IRS Refund Schedule Chart
Here is a chart of when you can expect your tax refund for when the return was accepted (based on e-Filing). This is an estimate based on past years trends, but based on past information, does seem accurate for about 90% of taxpayers. Also, as always, you can use the link after the calendar to get your specific refund status.
When can you file your 2022 tax return in 2023? Anytime between January 23 and April 18, 2023.
Now, when to expect my tax refund based on when it's accepted!
Note: The IRS sends direct deposits every business day during tax season. Our goal is to provide the end of the week in which you should hopefully receive your tax refund.
More Information About The Tax Refund Calendar
Looking for a printable version of this tax refund schedule for 2023? Check out this link to DOWNLOAD THE PDF VERSION HERE.
Want an HTML version? See below:
2023 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 23 - Jan 28, 2023
Feb 17, 2023
Feb 24, 2023
Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2023
Feb 24, 2023
Mar 3, 2023
Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2023
Mar 3, 2023
Mar 10, 2023
Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2023
Mar 10, 2023
Mar 17, 2023
Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2023
Mar 17, 2023
Mar 24, 2023
Feb 26 - Mar 4, 2023
Mar 24, 2023
Mar 31, 2023
Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2023
Mar 31, 2023
Apr 7, 2023
Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2023
Apr 7, 2023
April 14, 2023
Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2023
Apr 14, 2023
Apr 21, 2023
Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2023
Apr 21, 2023
Apr 28, 2023
Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2023
Apr 28, 2023
May 5, 2023
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2023
May 5, 2023
May 12, 2023
Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2023
May 12, 2023
May 19, 2023
Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2023
May 19, 2023
May 26, 2023
Apr 30 - May 6, 2023
May 26, 2023
Jun 2, 2023
May 7 - May 13, 2023
Jun 2, 2023
Jun 9, 2023
May 14 - May 20, 2023
Jun 9, 2023
Jun 16, 2023
May 21 - May 27, 2023
Jun 16, 2023
Jun 23, 2023
May 28 - Jun 3, 2023
Jun 23, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
Jun 4 - Jun 10, 2023
Jun 30, 2023
Jul 7, 2023
Jun 11 - Jun 17, 2023
Jul 7, 2023
Jul 14, 2023
Jun 18 - Jun 24, 2023
Jul 14, 2023
Jul 21, 2023
Jun 25 - Jul 1, 2023
Jul 21, 2023
Jul 28, 2023
Jul 2 - Jul 8, 2023
Jul 28, 2023
Aug 4, 2023
Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2023
Aug 4, 2023
Aug 11, 2023
Jul 16 - Jul 22, 2023
Aug 11, 2023
Aug 18, 2023
Jul 23 - Jul 29, 2023
Aug 18, 2023
Aug 25, 2023
Jul 30 - Aug 5, 2023
Aug 25, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
What If You File A Tax Extension In 2023?
If you file a tax extension in 2023, you can extend your tax deadline until October 16, 2023. Remember, if you choose to file an extension, you are still required to pay any taxes you may owe by the April deadline. If you are expecting a tax refund, that doesn't really matter - but you still need to file to claim your refund.
Here's a modified tax refund calendar specifically for those who filed a tax extension. We didn't want to clutter the above chart given the dates for filing an extension are typically 6 months later. However, the rule of 21 days on average still applies if you file a tax extension and claim your refund later.
2023 IRS Tax Extension Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Aug 6 - Aug 12, 2023
Sep 1, 2023
Sep 8, 2023
Aug 13 - Aug 19, 2023
Sep 8, 2023
Sep 15, 2023
Aug 20 - Aug 26, 2023
Sep 15, 2023
Sep 22, 2023
Aug 27 - Sep 2, 2023
Sep 22, 2023
Sep 29, 2023
Sep 3 - Sep 9, 2023
Sep 29, 2023
Oct 6, 2023
Sep 10 - Sep 16, 2023
Oct 6, 2023
Oct 13, 2023
Sep 17 - Sep 23, 2023
Oct 13, 2023
Oct 20, 2023
Sep 24 - Sep 30, 2023
Oct 20, 2023
Oct 27, 2023
Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2023
Oct 27, 2023
Nov 3, 2023
Oct 8 - Oct 14, 2023
Nov 3, 2023
Nov 10, 2023
Oct 15 - Oct 21, 2023
Nov 10, 2023
Nov 17, 2023
Oct 22 - Oct 28, 2023
Nov 17, 2023
Nov 24, 2023
If, for some reason, you didn’t receive your return in the time specified above, give or take a few days, you can always use the IRS’s tool called Get Refund Status. Since the link requires personal information, here is the non-html version: //sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp.
Once you enter all your information, it will tell you what is going on with your refund. Remember, if you input the wrong SSN, it could cause an IRS Error Code 9001, and might make your return be held for Identity Verification.
Also, many people are concerned because they received a Reference Code when checking WMR. Here is a complete list of IRS Reference Codes. Just match up the code with the one in the list, and see what the problem could be. As always, if you are concerned, you can call the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040.
Find Your State Tax Refund Too!
If you are waiting on your state tax refund, you can also check the status of that. We have our full guide to Tracking And Finding Your State Tax Refund here >>
Prior Years' Tax Refund Calendars
Looking for an old IRS refund chart? We saved them for you below.
2022 IRS Refund Schedule
Here is the 2022 IRS refund chart if you're still wanting to remember what happened last year.
2022 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 24 - Jan 29, 2022
Feb 18, 2022
Feb 25, 2022
Jan 30 - Feb 5, 2022
Feb 25, 2022
Mar 4, 2022
Feb 6 - Feb 12, 2022
Mar 4, 2022
Mar 11, 2022
Feb 13 - Feb 19, 2022
Mar 11, 2022
Mar 18, 2022
Feb 20 - Feb 26, 2022
Mar 18, 2022
Mar 25, 2022
Feb 27 - Mar 5, 2022
Mar 25, 2022
Apr 1, 2022
Mar 6 - Mar 12, 2022
Apr 1, 2022
Apr 8, 2022
Mar 13 - Mar 19, 2022
Apr 8, 2022
April 15, 2022
Mar 20 - Mar 26, 2022
Apr 15, 2022
Apr 22, 2022
Mar 27 - Apr 2, 2022
Apr 22, 2022
Apr 29, 2022
Apr 3 - Apr 9, 2022
Apr 29, 2022
May 6, 2022
Apr 10 - Apr 16, 2022
May 6, 2022
May 13, 2022
Apr 17 - Apr 23, 2022
May 13, 2022
May 20, 2022
Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2022
May 20, 2022
May 27, 2022
May 1 - May 7, 2022
May 27, 2022
Jun 3, 2022
May 8 - May 14, 2022
Jun 3, 2022
Jun 10, 2022
May 15 - May 21, 2022
Jun 10, 2022
Jun 17, 2022
May 22 - May 28, 2022
Jun 17, 2022
Jun 24, 2022
May 29 - Jun 4, 2022
Jun 24, 2022
Jul 1, 2022
Jun 5 - Jun 11, 2022
Jul 1, 2022
Jul 8, 2022
Jun 12 - Jun 18, 2022
Jul 8, 2022
Jul 15, 2022
Jun 19 - Jun 25, 2022
Jul 15, 2022
Jul 22, 2022
Jun 26 - Jul 2, 2022
Jul 22, 2022
Jul 29, 2022
Jul 3 - Jul 9, 2022
Jul 29, 2022
Aug 5, 2022
Jul 10 - Jul 16, 2022
Aug 5, 2022
Aug 12, 2022
Jul 17 - Jul 23, 2022
Aug 12, 2022
Aug 19, 2022
Jul 24 - Jul 30, 2022
Aug 19, 2022
Aug 26, 2022
Jul 31 - Aug 6, 2022
Aug 26, 2022
Sep 2, 2022
2021 IRS Refund Schedule
There's probably not much from 2021 you want to remember, but here's our tax refund schedule if you are still looking for it.
Coronavirus Pandemic Delays And Date Changes
One of the biggest areas of delays are mail returns. In 2020, we saw mail held up for months, and we expect mail delays to continue. If possible, always eFile. Sending your return via mail will cause significant delays in processing.
If you've already filed your return, our assumption is there will be continued delays in processing times. If your return is under review or other information is needed, you may experience significant delays due to staffing.
2021 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Feb 12 - Feb 13, 2021
Feb 26, 2021
Mar 5, 2021
Feb 14 - Feb 20, 2021
Mar 5, 2021
Mar 12, 2021
Feb 21 - Feb 27, 2021
Mar 12, 2021
Mar 19, 2021
Feb 28 - Mar 6, 2021
Mar 19, 2021
Mar 26, 2021
Mar 7 - Mar 13, 2021
Mar 26, 2021
Apr 2, 2021
Mar 14 - Mar 20, 2021
Apr 2, 2021
Apr 9, 2021
Mar 21 - Mar 27, 2021
Apr 9, 2021
Apr 16, 2021
Mar 28 - Apr 3, 2021
Apr 16, 2021
April 23, 2021
Apr 4 - Apr 10, 2021
Apr 23, 2021
Apr 30, 2021
Apr 11 - Apr 17, 2021
Apr 30, 2021
May 7, 2021
Apr 18 - Apr 24, 2021
May 7, 2021
May 14, 2021
Apr 25 - May 1, 2021
May 14, 2021
May 21, 2021
May 2 - May 8, 2021
May 21, 2021
May 28, 2021
May 9 - May 15, 2021
May 28, 2021
Jun 4, 2021
May 16 - May 22, 2021
Jun 4, 2021
Jun 11, 2021
May 23 - May 29, 2021
Jun 11, 2021
Jun 18, 2021
May 30 - Jun 5, 2021
Jun 18, 2021
Jun 25, 2021
Jun 6 - Jun 12, 2021
Jun 25, 2021
Jul 2, 2021
Jun 13 - Jun 19, 2021
Jul 2, 2021
Jul 9, 2021
Jun 20 - Jun 26, 2021
Jul 9, 2021
Jul 16, 2021
Jun 27 - Jul 3, 2021
Jul 16, 2021
Jul 23, 2021
Jul 4 - Jul 10, 2021
Jul 23, 2021
Jul 30, 2021
Jul 11 - Jul 17, 2021
Jul 30, 2021
Aug 6, 2021
Jul 18 - Jul 24, 2021
Aug 6, 2021
Aug 13, 2021
Jul 25 - Jul 31, 2021
Aug 13, 2021
Aug 20, 2021
2020 IRS Refund Schedule
There's probably not much from 2020 you want to remember, but here's our tax refund schedule if you are still looking for it:
2020 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 27 - Feb 1, 2020
Feb 14, 2020
Feb 21, 2020
Feb 2 - Feb 8, 2020
Feb 21, 2020
Feb 28, 2020
Feb 9 - Feb 15, 2020
Feb 28, 2020
Mar 6, 2020
Feb 16 - Feb 22, 2020
Mar 6, 2020
Mar 13, 2020
Feb 23 - Feb 29, 2020
Mar 13, 2020
Mar 20, 2020
Mar 1 - Mar 7, 2020
Mar 20, 2020
Mar 27, 2020
Mar 8 - Mar 14, 2020
Mar 27, 2020
Apr 3, 2020
Mar 15 - Mar 21, 2020
Apr 3, 2020
Apr 10, 2020
Mar 22 - Mar 28, 2020
Apr 10, 2020
Apr 17, 2020
Mar 29 - Apr 4, 2020
Apr 17, 2020
April 24, 2020
Apr 5 - Apr 11, 2020
April 24, 2020
May 1, 2020
Apr 12 - Apr 18, 2020
May 1, 2020
May 8, 2020
Apr 19 - Apr 25, 2020
May 8, 2020
May 15, 2020
Apr 26 - May 2, 2020
May 15, 2020
May 22, 2020
May 3 - May 9, 2020
May 22, 2020
May 29, 2020
May 10- May 16, 2020
May 29, 2020
Jun 5, 2020
May 17 - May 23, 2020
Jun 5, 2020
Jun 12, 2020
May 24 - May 30, 2020
Jun 12, 2020
Jun 19, 2020
May 31 - Jun 6, 2020
Jun 19, 2020
Jun 26, 2020
Jun 7 - Jun 13, 2020
Jun 26, 2020
Jul 3, 2020
Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2020
Jul 3, 2020
Jul 10, 2020
Jun 21 - Jun 27, 2020
Jul 10, 2020
Jul 17, 2020
Jun 28 - Jul 4, 2020
Jul 17, 2020
Jul 24, 2020
Jul 5 - Jul 11, 2020
Jul 24, 2020
Jul 31, 2020
Jul 12 - Jul 18, 2020
Jul 31, 2020
Aug 7, 2020
Jul 19 - Jul 25, 2020
Aug 7, 2020
Aug 14, 2020
Jul 26 - Aug 1, 2020
Aug 14, 2020
Aug 21, 2020
2019 IRS Refund Schedule
Here is the 2019 IRS refund calendar if you're still looking for it.
2019 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 28 - Feb 2, 2019
Feb 15, 2019
Feb 22, 2019
Feb 3 - Feb 9, 2019
Feb 22, 2019
Mar 1, 2019
Feb 10 - Feb 16, 2019
Mar 1, 2019
Mar 8, 2019
Feb 17 - Feb 23, 2019
Mar 8, 2019
Mar 15, 2019
Feb 24 - Mar 2, 2019
Mar 15, 2019
Mar 22, 2019
Mar 3 - Mar 9, 2019
Mar 22, 2019
Mar 29, 2019
Mar 10 - Mar 16, 2019
Mar 29, 2019
Apr 5, 2019
Mar 17 - Mar 23, 2019
Apr 5, 2019
Apr 12, 2019
Mar 24 - Mar 30, 2019
Apr 12, 2019
Apr 19, 2019
Mar 31 - Apr 6, 2019
Apr 19, 2019
April 26, 2019
Apr 7 - Apr 13, 2019
April 26, 2019
May 3, 2019
Apr 14 - Apr 20, 2019
May 3, 2019
May 10, 2019
Apr 21 - Apr 27, 2019
May 10, 2019
May 17, 2019
Apr 28 - May 4, 2019
May 17, 2019
May 24, 2019
2018 IRS Refund Schedule
Here is the 2018 tax refund calendar.
2018 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2018
Feb 17, 2018
Feb 24, 2018
Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2018
Feb 24, 2018
Mar 3, 2018
Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2018
Mar 3, 2018
Mar 10, 2018
Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2018
Mar 10, 2018
Mar 17, 2018
Feb 27 - Mar 4, 2018
Mar 17, 2018
Mar 24, 2018
Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2018
Mar 24, 2018
Mar 31, 2018
Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2018
Mar 31, 2018
Apr 7, 2018
Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2018
Apr 7, 2018
Apr 14, 2018
Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2018
Apr 14, 2018
Apr 21, 2018
Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2018
Apr 21, 2018
April 28, 2018
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2018
April 28, 2018
May 5, 2018
Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2018
May 5, 2018
May 12, 2018
Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2018
May 12, 2018
May 19, 2018
2017 IRS Refund Schedule
Still looking for the 2017 tax refund calendar? We saved it for you here:
2017 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 23 - Jan 28, 2017
Feb 10, 2017
Feb 17, 2017
Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2017
Feb 17, 2017
Feb 24, 2017
Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2017
Feb 24, 2017
Mar 3, 2017
Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2017
Mar 3, 2017
Mar 10, 2017
Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2017
Mar 10, 2017
Mar 17, 2017
Feb 27 - Mar 4, 2017
Mar 17, 2017
Mar 24, 2017
Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2017
Mar 24, 2017
Mar 31, 2017
Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2017
Mar 31, 2017
Apr 7, 2017
Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2017
Apr 7, 2017
Apr 14, 2017
Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2017
Apr 14, 2017
Apr 21, 2017
Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2017
Apr 21, 2017
April 28, 2017
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2017
April 28, 2017
May 5, 2017
Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2017
May 5, 2017
May 12, 2017
Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2017
May 12, 2017
May 19, 2017
2016 IRS Refund Schedule
Here is the 2016 tax refund calendar:
2016 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 19 - Jan 23, 2016
Feb 5, 2016
Feb 10, 2016
Jan 24 - Jan 30, 2016
Feb 12, 2016
Feb 17, 2016
Jan 31 - Feb 6, 2016
Feb 19, 2016
Feb 24, 2016
Feb 7 - 13, 2016
Feb 26, 2016
Mar 2, 2016
Feb 14 - 20, 2016
Mar 4, 2016
Mar 9, 2016
Feb 21 - 27, 2016
Mar 11, 2016
Mar 16, 2016
Feb 28 - Mar 5, 2016
Mar 18, 2016
Mar 23, 2016
Mar 6 - 12, 2016
Mar 25, 2016
Mar 30, 2016
Mar 13 - 19, 2016
Apr 1, 2016
Apr 6, 2016
Mar 20 - 26, 2016
Apr 8, 2016
Apr 13, 2016
Mar 27 - Apr 2, 2016
Apr 15, 2016
Apr 20, 2016
Apr 3 - Apr 9, 2016
Apr 22, 2016
April 27, 2016
Apr 10 - Apr 16, 2016
April 29, 2016
May 4, 2016
Apr 17 - Apr 23, 2016
May 6, 2016
May 11, 2016
Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2016
May 13, 2016
May 18, 2016
2015 IRS Refund Schedule
Here is the 2015 tax refund calendar:
2015 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Date Accepted
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 20 - Jan 24, 2015
Feb 6, 2015
Feb 9, 2015
Jan 25 - Jan 31, 2015
Feb 13, 2015
Feb 16, 2015
Feb 1 - Feb 7, 2015
Feb 20, 2015
Feb 23, 2015
Feb 8 - 14, 2015
Feb 27, 2015
Mar 2, 2015
Feb 15 - 21, 2015
Mar 6, 2015
Mar 13, 2015
Feb 22 - 28, 2015
Mar 13, 2015
Mar 20, 2015
Mar 1 - 7, 2015
Mar 20, 2015
Mar 27, 2015
Mar 8 - 14, 2015
Mar 27, 2015
Apr 3, 2015
Mar 15 - 21, 2015
Apr 3, 2015
Apr 10, 2015
Mar 22 - 28, 2015
Apr 10, 2015
Apr 17, 2015
Mar 29 - Apr 4, 2015
Apr 17, 2015
Apr 24, 2015
Apr 5 - Apr 11, 2015
Apr 24, 2015
May 1, 2015
Apr 12 - Apr 15, 2015
May 1, 2015
May 8, 2015
Apr 16 - Apr 25, 2015
May 8, 2015
May 15, 2015
Apr 26 - May 2, 2015
May 15, 2015
May 22, 2015
2014 IRS Refund Schedule
Here is the 2014 tax refund calendar:
2014 IRS Tax Refund Calendar
Accepted Date
Direct Deposit Sent
Paper Check Mailed
Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2014
Feb 13, 2014
Feb 21, 2014
Feb 4 - 10, 2014
Feb 21, 2014
Feb 24, 2014
Feb 11 - 17, 2014
Feb 28, 2014
Mar 3, 2014
Feb 18 - 24, 2014
Mar 7, 2014
Mar 10, 2014
Feb 25 - Mar 3, 2014
Mar 14, 2014
Mar 17, 2014
Mar 4 - 10, 2014
Mar 21, 2014
Mar 24, 2014
Mar 11 - 17, 2014
Mar 28, 2014
Mar 31, 2014
Mar 18 - 24, 2014
Apr 4, 2014
Apr 7, 2014
Mar 25 - 31, 2014
Apr 11, 2014
Apr 14, 2014
Apr 1 - 7, 2014
Apr 18, 2014
Apr 21, 2014
Apr 8 - 14, 2014
Apr 25, 2014
Apr 28, 2014
Apr 15 - 21, 2014
May 2, 2014
May 5, 2014
Apr 22 - 28, 2014
May 9, 2014
May 12, 2014
IRS Refund Status - How To Track Your Refund
The IRS has multiple ways that you can track your tax refund.
The main ways to track your refund are:
- IRS2GO App
- Check My Refund Status online
- By calling the IRS
Note: the old "Where's my Refund" site is now simply called Check My Refund Status on the IRS webpage. It's essentially the same tool.
First, it starts with your tax software, tax preparer, or your paper refund. Once you submit it, the IRS receives it. To confirm the IRS receives it, you'll see the "accepted" message in your tracking software.
All "your tax return was accepted" means that it passed a basic test of having a valid social security number and other data. It doesn't mean anything except that it's in the IRS queue for processing. Your 21 day average starts from this point in time. If you filed before the IRS started accepting eFile submissions, your 21 day processing time starts from the IRS start date.
At the 21 day mark, you should either see a message that says approved or take action. If you're approved, you should have a date and see your direct deposit in your account within a few days of that date (depending on your bank). If you see a take action message, you may be subject to a tax offset or other issue. Check out these common IRS issues.
Important Notice For Tax Time
Did you know that identity theft, especially around tax season, is running rampant? People's credit information was stolen at Target, Home Depot, even The State of California. Now's a great time to make sure that your credit is safe.
Credit Karma: Second, now is a great time to check your credit report and make sure that there are no issues. You should be checking your credit at least once per year, and tax time is a great time to do it. We recommend using Credit Karma because it’s free! Plus, Credit Karma has a lot of great tools to help you improve your credit if you need to, and they can help you monitor your credit over time.
Tax Refund FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions and FAQs around this tax refund calendar and tax refund schedule:
When can I expect my tax refund?
The IRS says that 90% of tax filers receive their refund within 21 days. We built our tax refund calendar around this guideline.
What if I filed EITC or ACTC?
If you have the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund does not start processing until February 15. Your 21 day average starts from this point - so you can usually expect your tax refund the last week of February or first week of March.
How long does it take to process a return sent by mail?
If you mailed your tax return, allow twelve weeks for processing, then your 21 day period starts once your tax return is in the IRS system.
What if I get Tax Topic 152?
Tax Topic 152 simply means you're getting a refund! Sit back, relax, and wait for that direct deposit or check to come!
What if I get Tax Topic 151?
This means you have a tax offset. Some or all of your refund is being garnished. Read our full guide to this here.
One of the best ways we keep track of what's happening with tax refunds during tax season is your comments and feedback. Please drop a comment below and share your refund dates so others can know!
Robert Farrington
Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future. You can learn more about him on the About Page, or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.
He regularly writes about investing, student loan debt, and general personal finance topics geared towards anyone wanting to earn more, get out of debt, and start building wealth for the future.
He has been quoted in major publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, Fox, ABC, NBC, and more. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.