How long does it take for the tax return checks to come

Last year, 9 out of 10 e-filers received their IRS tax refund in less than 21 days, and we expect the same this year.

1. If you e-filed, start by checking your e-file status.
2. Once you've received confirmation your federal return has been accepted, you'll be able to start tracking your refund at the IRS Where's My Refund? site.

Paper-filers: The IRS asks you wait 4 weeks after you mail your return before looking up your refund at Where's My Refund?

Note also:...it is "expected" not promised...within 21 days after the IRS "Accepts" your tax file.  
The IRS hasn't taken any yet. And unless yours gets taken during a test pull, that time  starts once they accept it...and the start date for that is around the 29th of January...and they could start earlier...they could push it back later.

By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. While the IRS will process those returns when received, it cannot issue related refunds before mid-February. The IRS expects the earliest EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards starting on Feb. 27, 2018, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with the tax return.

Stare refund times vary.

If you are receiving paper checks, allow mailing times as well.