The IRS issues more
than 9 out of 10 refunds in the normal time frame: less than 21 days. However,
incomplete or inaccurate tax returns may require further review and could take
longer than the normal processing time.
Additionally,
beginning in 2017, a new law requires the IRS to hold refunds related to tax
returns claiming the Earned
Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child
Tax Credit (ACTC) until mid-February. Under the change required by the
Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS must hold the entire
refund — even the portion not associated with the EITC and ACTC — until
February 15. The IRS will begin to release EITC/ACTC refunds starting February
15. However, the IRS cautions taxpayers that these refunds likely won't arrive
in bank accounts or on debit cards until the week of February 27 (assuming
there are no processing issues with the tax return and the taxpayer chose
direct deposit). Read more about refund timing for early
EITC/ACTC filers.
IRS representatives
can research the status of your return only if:
- It's been more than 21 days
since you received your e-file acceptance notification,
- It's been more than 6 weeks
since you mailed your paper return, or
- The Where's My Refund? tool directs you to contact
us.
If your tax return
includes EITC or ACTC, you should only call if the Where's My
Refund? tool directs you to contact the IRS.
