The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2024 (returns filed in 2025).
According to the IRS, most refunds will be issued within than 21 days after the return has been accepted. If you file early with TaxSlayer before the IRS begins processing returns for the year, we will hold onto your return and send it as soon as the IRS opens for the filing season.
If the IRS accepts your return that day (usually late January), you can receive your refund as early as mid-February.
Certain things can affect the timing of your refund, including:
- How you sent your return – Sending your return electronically allows the IRS to process it faster than if you mail it in.
- When you filed – The earlier you file, the earlier your return could be processed.
- Which credits you claimed – Claiming certain credits can cause your refund to be delayed (more details below).
The IRS typically sends out refunds on a schedule. This schedule varies by the method you sent your return in, when you file, and what credits you claim. See an estimated schedule in the chart below.
| Filing method and refund delivery method | How long it takes to receive your refund from the time your return is accepted |
| E-file and direct deposit | 1-3 weeks |
| E-file and check | 1 month |
| Mail in return and direct deposit | 3 weeks |
| Mail in return and check | 2 months |
When will I receive my tax refund?
The following chart includes estimated dates you could receive your refund for the 2024 tax season if you have submitted everything correctly and are not claiming any tax breaks that could cause a delay.
| If the IRS accepts your return by: | Direct deposit typically arrives within 3 weeks (21 days) from the day your return is accepted: | Your mailed check typically arrives within 2 months (60 days) from the day your return is accepted: |
| Jan. 27 | Feb. 17 | Mar. 28 |
| Feb. 3 | Feb. 24 | Apr. 4 |
| Feb. 10 | Mar. 3 | Apr. 11 |
| Feb. 17 | Mar. 10 | Apr. 18 |
| Feb. 24 | Mar. 17 | Apr. 25 |
| Mar. 3 | Mar. 24 | May 2 |
| Mar. 10 | Mar. 31 | May 9 |
| Mar. 17 | Apr. 7 | May 16 |
| Mar. 24 | Apr. 14 | May 23 |
| Mar. 31 | Apr. 21 | May 30 |
| Apr. 7 | Apr. 28 | Jun. 6 |
| Apr. 14 | May 5 | Jun. 13 |
Please note that the IRS issues your tax refund – not TaxSlayer or any other filing service. This means that your filing service can’t say for sure when you’ll get your refund. But you can use the IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool to see exactly where your refund is.
How long does it take to get a state tax refund?
While the IRS typically takes about 21 days to process a tax refund from the time a return is accepted, each state has its own procedures that can affect the timeline for issuing refunds.
Most states allow you to check the status of your state tax refund by visiting your state’s Department of Revenue website. To get an update, you will usually need to provide your Social Security number (SSN) and the amount of your expected refund.
What happens after I e-file?
After you submit your return with TaxSlayer, we time stamp your return and electronically send it to the IRS. Your return is now in the hands of the IRS. They typically take the next 24-48 to review your information to make sure it is correct.
If your personal information matches their records and you haven’t taken any credits or deductions that require further review, they will accept your return. You should receive an email notification once your return is accepted. After you receive confirmation, you can expect to receive your refund based on the estimated schedule above.
What does it mean when my tax return is accepted?
When you receive confirmation that the IRS accepted your return, it means that they have reviewed your return, and it has passed their initial inspection. They verify your personal information and other basic items, like if your dependents have already been claimed by someone else.
Then, they have a few days to approve your refund. They will take a more in-depth look at your return and your history. After the IRS approves your return, they will fund your refund based on the schedule mentioned above.
Is it faster to file electronically or mail my return?
There are several advantages to filing your taxes online. In most cases, it is faster to file your return electronically. The IRS receives these returns faster than those that are mailed in, which shortens the time between when you submit your return and when you’ll receive your refund.
File electronically with TaxSlayer and choose direct deposit to receive your refund sooner.
It’s been 21 days since the IRS accepted my return. Why haven’t I received my refund?
If the IRS has accepted your return and you haven’t received your return on schedule, there could be a few reasons why it hasn’t arrived yet.
- A minor error – There may be a typo or a miscalculation on your tax return.
- Your tax return is incorrect – You may have chosen the wrong filing status, filled out the form incorrectly, or made other mistakes that prevent your return from being processed.
- Incomplete forms – If you happen to skip a line while filing your return, the IRS will contact you to complete the forms before processing your return.
- Someone may have filed on your behalf – If your Social Security Number was used fraudulently, it will affect the filing of your return.
- Processing Delays – If you filed early or at the last minute, your return may be held up on the IRS’s end.
- Bank delays – In some cases, your direct deposit may be delayed due to an influx of traffic at your bank.
- Your refund may have been garnished by the IRS – If you have outstanding tax debt or child support payments, the IRS may take a portion (or all) of your refund.
Will the IRS contact me if my refund is delayed?
If it’s past the 21-day mark and you haven’t gotten your refund, you may want to be on the lookout for a notice from the IRS in the mail. The IRS will never contact you via email or phone without sending official communication in the mail first.
If the IRS contacts you out of the blue without sending a notice, you may be targeted for a scam. Avoid scam calls by learning to identify individuals posing as the IRS.
What tax breaks can affect the timing of my refund?
If you are claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund is most likely going to be delayed. The IRS does not typically send out these refunds before mid-February, which means your refund will probably arrive in early March, according to the IRS.
Should I file my taxes early?
Filing your tax return early can present many advantages. Here are a few key benefits:
- Reduced stress
- More time to pay if you owe – TaxSlayer allows you to schedule your tax payment if you want to go ahead and file but pay later
- Getting your refund sooner
The benefits of filing your tax return early can make a big difference in your overall experience. 
What if I miss the deadline?
The deadline for most taxpayers is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. If you file your return after the deadline, you could be charged late filing fees and other penalties. If you need more time to file, you can request an extension with the IRS.
It is important to note that an extension does not give you more time to pay your taxes. It only gives you more time to file your return. In other words, if you owe money on your taxes, your payment is still due by April 15th. If you request an extension, you will have six more months to send your return to the IRS. The deadline to file extended returns for tax year 2024 is October 15, 2025.
Are there any important tax dates to know?
Yes, the following are important tax dates and deadlines to keep in mind for tax season.
- January 31, 2025 – Due date for employers to send W-2 forms
- April 15, 2025 – Deadline to file and pay any taxes due
- April 15, 2025 – Deadline to file Form 4868 to request an extension of time to file if needed
- October 15, 2024 – Deadline to file an extended return
