The IRS releases most refunds within 21 calendar days after the e-filed return has been accepted (received), not 21 days from the e-filing date.
We know you'd like your refund as fast as possible, but we have no control over how fast the IRS or your state returns your money to you. We're unable to track down, research, or expedite your refund, because those actions are only done by the government—you'll have to contact the IRS or your state tax office for help.
If you still haven't received your refund or your refund is less than you expected, it's possible you may have a refund offset.
- For mailed returns, allow 5–6 weeks from the postmark date. (If you claimed an Earned Income Tax Credit and/or an Additional Child Tax Credit and filed before February 15, 2019, you’ll get your refund the week of February 27 at the earliest.)
- Wait 24 hours after your federal return has been accepted before looking it up at Where's My Refund?
- If you don’t have a computer or internet access, you can check the status of your refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1954.
- For more information, you can also view Where's My Refund FAQs.
- If you opted to e-file and you entered an incorrect account number for direct deposit, the government will mail you a refund check, allow 5–6 weeks from the postmark date.
For questions on state refunds, use your State Refund Lookup tool.
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