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.
Your federal refund can take longer than 21 days to process for the following reasons:
- You claimed an Earned Income Tax Credit and/or an Additional Child Tax Credit and filed before February 15, 2018. It takes until the week of February 27 to receive your refund at the earliest.
- The IRS processed a refund offset.
- There were errors, inconsistencies, or missing info on the return.
- The return is under review.
- The IRS suspects identity theft or fraud.
- There's a Form 8397 (Injured Spouse Allocation) on your return. It takes 11-14 weeks to process.
- You filed Form 1040-X (Amended Return), which can take 12-16 weeks to process.
The IRS also cautions that financial institutions may vary in how long they take to process direct deposits, and paper checks are subject to mail delays.
IRS representatives can only research your refund if it’s been at least 21 days since you e-filed, at least 6 weeks since you mailed your return, or if their Where’s My Refund? lookup tool tells you to contact them.
If Where's My Refund? says your return has been received but your refund has not yet been approved, that means the IRS has your return and is actively working on it.
