Many people dread tax season. But if you’re expecting a tax refund for the 2020 tax season, you’ve got something to look forward to. When will I receive my tax refund?

Most people will get their tax refund within three weeks, but it varies based on how you file and how you get your refund. If you choose to have your refund deposited directly into your account, you may have to wait seven days before you can gain access to it. If you request a refund check, you might have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive.

If you eFile and request a direct deposit into your bank account – expect your refund within 7 - 21 days
If you eFile and request a check in the mail – expect your refund check within one month
If you paper file and request a direct deposit into your bank account – expect your refund within 21 days
If you paper file and request a check in the mail – expect your refund check within two months

*Note that these are just guidelines. Based on how you file, most filers can generally expect to receive a refund within these time frames.

What’s Taking So Long?

If you don’t receive your refund in 21 days, your tax return might need further review with by IRS. This may happen if your return was incomplete or incorrect or affected by identity theft or fraud. The IRS may send you instructions through the mail if it needs additional information in order to process your return.

You may also experience delays if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, the IRS is required to hold tax returns for folks who claimed those credits.

If you haven’t received your refund and you’re becoming impatient, calling the IRS will likely not help. It’s best to avoid contacting the IRS directly unless the Where’s My Refund tool prompted you to do so or it’s been 21 days since you filed your tax return electronically – or six weeks since you mailed your paper tax return.

What can I do when I haven’t received my refund and my patience is gone?

Many different factors can affect the timing of your refund after we receive your return. Even though we issue most refunds in less than 21 days, it’s possible your refund may take longer. Also, remember to take into consideration the time it takes for your financial institution to post the refund to your account or for you to receive it by mail. Besure to check your mailing address if your expecting a check by mail.

The Where’s My Refund? tool lets you check the status of your refund through the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app. If you submit your tax return electronically, you can check the status of your refund within 24 hours. But if you mail your tax return, you’ll need to wait at least four weeks before you can receive any information about your tax refund.

In order to find out the status of your tax refund, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number (SSN), filing status and the exact dollar amount of your expected refund. If you accidentally enter the wrong SSN, it could trigger an IRS Error Code 9001. That may require further identity verification and delay your tax refund.

TAX TIP:

File your tax return as soon as possible; you’ll get your money sooner, of course, but it might also lower the odds of criminals taking your refund.
Avoid the mail! Don’t file a paper tax return
Speed up your refund by signing up for direct deposit when you file
Keep track of your tax refund - by using “Where’s my Refund” App