For almost everyone.
The IRS will open to begin processing returns on February 12, 2021.
Each year they pull a very small number of returns early for testing.
Until then the efile status will show as "pending."
Once the IRS begins processing on February 12, the IRS says most people will get their refunds within 21 days from the time it is accepted if the return is efiled and direct deposit is chosen. If you are subject to the PATH Act , i.e., if you qualify for EITC (Earned Income Credit) or ACTC (Additional Child Tax Credit), then the IRS cannot by law release a refund for returns with those credits until after February 15. The IRS website says folks subject to the PATH Act may not see a Federal refund until the first week of March.
