IRS refund status: How long does it take to get your tax refund?

If you’re like most taxpayers, once you’re done with your tax preparation, you’re probably wondering, “How do I check my refund status?” or “How long will it take to get my refund?” These questions are especially important if your tax filing will result in a large refund amount. Follow along as we share important insights about your tax refund status, including where to look for your IRS tax refund status and common tax refund schedules, to leave no questions unanswered.

Where’s my tax refund?

Your IRS refund status depends on two things: when and how you file.

• When you file: If you file your federal tax return early in the season, you’ll likely receive your tax refund sooner. However, if you wait to file your tax return close to the filing deadline, it may take longer to process because more returns are filed at this time. As the tax deadline gets closer, the IRS gets more tax returns, which creates a backup and slows down processing.
• How you file: How long it takes to get your IRS tax refund also depends on the way you file taxes. To get your refund sooner, e-file your income tax return. The process for e-filing your federal return moves along much more quickly than if you mail in a paper return.

When will I get my tax refund?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t provide an exact date your refund will arrive. Generally, the amount of time is based on your filing date and you’ll get your refund within 21 days after you e-file. (Paper filed returns can take much longer.)

If you file before the IRS opens, you need to wait for the IRS open date (usually in late-January) before starting the 21-day clock. Learn more in our post that covers “When can I file my taxes?”

You can make an appointment with an H&R Block tax pro or file online before the time that e-file opens to have your return prepared. We will hold your prepared return until the IRS begins accepting tax returns.

Tax refund schedule: How long does it take to get your tax refund?

Each tax season, the IRS generally follows a tax refund schedule to help you track when you receive your refund. The IRS income tax refund schedule will depend on how you filed, when you filed, and the credits you claimed.

Here’s an estimated IRS refund schedule:

• E-file and direct deposit¹: Up to 3 weeks (21 days)
• E-file and mailed paper refund check²: Up to 3 weeks (21 days)
• Paper file and direct deposit or mailed paper refund check³: 6 to 8 weeks (42 to 56 days)

¹ – This is usually the fastest method to receive a refund.

² – Receiving a paper refund check in the mail may take longer than choosing direct deposit. Most e-filed returns are processed within 21 days.

³ – Paper-filed returns generally take 6 to 8 weeks for the IRS to process and send your refund.

Do you want access to money faster than the IRS can provide a tax refund? Learn how refund advance may help.

IRS tax refund schedule: Tracking IRS tax refund dates for 2026

Here’s an idea of tax refund dates for your 2025 federal tax refund if you file on a Monday during tax season in 2026:

*Note: Federal holidays may impact the IRS income tax refund schedule and cause delays.

How to check the refund status of a filed return

There are number of ways to check your refund status.

You can check the status of your tax refund by:

1. Using H&R Block refund status tool (if you filed with Block): Track the status of your federal tax refund using our “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Note that you cannot check the status of your e-filed return until 24 hours after filing. The IRS updates the “Where’s My Refund?” tool once a day, typically overnight. 
2. Calling the IRS: Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. If the IRS has processed your return, the system will tell you the date your refund will be sent. The IRS suggests you should call about your:
   1. E-filed return: 3 weeks after you filed it
   2. Paper return: 6 weeks after you mailed it
3. Checking online at the IRS website: Visit Where’s My Refund? page on the IRS website. Then, click on the “Check Your Refund” button. You can check your refund status 24 hours after you e-file, and 4 weeks after you file a paper return.

Federal tax refund status tax tip

Set yourself up for success by gathering some tax information in advance. Have your return on hand, since you’ll need it to answer some questions. To check your IRS refund status, you’ll need to provide your:

• Social Security number (SSN) or another taxpayer identification number
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount shown on the return

What could cause my refund to be delayed?

If the IRS still hasn’t accepted your return or issued a refund, you may be wondering what’s causing the slowdown. Common reasons for a tax refund delay include if:

• You claimed tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit and it is before mid-February. The IRS does not begin releasing refunds with these credits until mid-February.
• Your return is incorrect or incomplete.
• You filed an amended return.
• Your return was sent by mail.
• You filed late.
• Someone else filed using your Social Security number.

Why is my refund less than expected?

While the average tax refund for the 2024 filing season was $3,138, according to the IRS, not everyone should expect that amount.

What can cause a reduced refund? If your refund is less than expected, there may be a few reasons for it:

• You made a mathematical error or some other mistake on your return.
• The Treasury Offset Program reduced your refund to pay past-due debts (tax offset), including:
• Late federal or state taxes
  • Back child support
  • Past-due non-tax federal debts, like student loans

You should receive a notice explaining the mistake, adjustments, or refund offsets. The notice will include explanations of reductions for prior debts. Since your refund check and the notice can come from different IRS processing locations, you might receive the explanation after you receive the refund check.

How long to get a tax refund for state taxes

Similar to federal tax refunds, the length of time it takes to get state refunds depends on how you file and choose to receive the money. Each state has its own timelines, so look on your state’s government tax website for a state tax refund status tool to check on the refund status. Most states require you to provide your Social Security number (SSN) and your expected state refund amount to view your refund status.

Get more information about your state tax refund status.

Get help with your tax refund status

If you need more guidance on other tax-related topics and IRS form filing, let us help. Whether you choose to file with a tax pro or file with H&R Block Online, you can rest assured that we’ll get you the biggest refund possible.