An old saying ... "don't spend it until you get it" holds true.
How quickly will I get my refund? (updated May 16, 2023)
We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you filed a paper return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return. Where's My Refund? has the most up to date information available about your refund.
I'm counting on my refund for something important. Can I expect to receive it in 21 days?
Many different factors can affect the timing of your refund after we receive your return. Even though we issue most refunds in less than 21 days, it's possible your refund may take longer. Also, remember to consider the time it takes for your financial institution to post the refund to your account or for you to receive it by mail.
It's been longer than 21 days since the IRS received my return and I haven't gotten my refund. Why? (updated May 16, 2023)
Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:
- Is sent by mail
- Contains errors or is incomplete
- Needs further review in general
- Is affected by identity theft or fraud
- Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit. See Q&A below.
- Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse AllocationPDF, which could take up to 14 weeks to process
For the latest information on IRS refund processing during the COVID-19 pandemic, see the IRS Operations Status page.
If we need more information to process your return, we'll contact you by mail. If we're still processing your return or correcting an error, neither Where's My Refund? or our phone representatives will be able to provide you with your specific refund date. Please check Where's My Refund? for updated information on your refund.
