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In this series:
How to file your taxes: step by step
Check if you need to file
Gather your documents
Get credits and deductions
File your return
Get your refund
Pay taxes on time
Be ready to file taxes next year
How refunds work
A refund is money you get back if you pay more tax than you owe during the year. Even if you don’t owe any tax, you may qualify for money back with a refundable tax credit. To get a refund, you must file a tax return. You have 3 years to claim a refund.
When to expect your refund
The typical time to receive your refund depends on how you filed your taxes:
- E-filed return - 3 weeks from the date you e-filed
- Mailed return - 6 or more weeks from the date we received your mailed return
Refund delays can happen when a tax return needs corrections or further review.
Where’s my refund?
Your refund status is available 24 hours after you e-file your taxes. Check your refund status.
Refund by direct deposit
We’re phasing out paper check payments of tax refunds. This change supports Executive Order 14247, Modernizing payments to and from America’s bank account.
Direct deposit is more secure and faster than paper checks. You can get your refund electronically deposited to a:
- Bank or credit union account
- Payment app, prepaid debit card or digital wallet (account and routing number required)
- Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
To set up direct deposit for your refund, enter your account and routing number on your tax return.
If you don’t have a bank account
Use these safe resources to find a free or low-cost account: