The IRS issues most refunds from e-filed returns in about 21 days, although some returns take more time to review.
To find out where your refund is, first check your e-file status. If it's been accepted, you can begin to track your refund at the IRS Where's My Refund? site. You'll need your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund to check your status.
For some taxpayers, PATH Act requirements and other identity-protection safeguards implemented by the IRS may account for longer wait times.
Other things that can delay your refund include, but are not limited to:
- Liens, back taxes, or refund offsets
- Errors, inconsistencies, or missing information
- Identity fraud
- Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which can take 11-14 weeks to process
Also, if you chose direct deposit, your financial institution may need another day or two to post the refund to your account, so keep that in mind.