What is the longest it takes to get your check

[ErinH]

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.

[Tycurry09]

Both state and federal have been accepted. I filled with turbo tax and it said my return should've been here March 2nd. A few friends filed just days before me and one friend days after and they all have already recieved their return?  What's going on omg?

[LinaJ2020]

You might need to call the IRS and the state.

Per IRS, if you e file your returns and choose to receive the refund through direct deposit, you should be receiving your refund within 21 days of IRS e-file acceptance.  Checks might take longer.  If you filed a paper return, allow 4 weeks before checking the status. Refund processing time is 6 to 8 weeks from the date the IRS receives your tax return.

Taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit may experience a refund hold. According to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue these refunds before mid-February. The IRS expects the first EITC/ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by the first week of March if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return. Check Where’s My Refund for your personalized refund date.

@Tycurry09

[Shawn20209]

How long does it take ur refund to get approved

[Camille24]

Me either  i filled feb 1 got accepted feb 12 my refund doesn't come yet.

[MichelleLO]

Most refunds are received within 21 days from the time a return has been accepted (received). For the most up-to-date information regarding the status of your tax return and a specific date of when to expect your refund, please visit the IRS Where's My Refund? site. Please see the TurboTax FAQ When will I get my IRS refund? for more information.

To track the progress of your state tax return, see the TurboTax FAQ How do I track my state refund?

@Camille24

[KainStrong]

I got my refund accepted on March 5th. I still don't have my money and I'm worried it's not coming!

[KathrynG3]

Many people are experiencing refund delays. But, you can login to your account at the IRS to look for an explanation. The reason for the delay will depend on your circumstances.

For more information, see: 

My return is accepted but still not approved. Is there a problem? Should I be worried?

Why do some refunds take longer than others?

@KainStrong