Typical federal refund processing times
How long your refund takes depends in part on how you filed.
| Filing method | Typical processing time |
|---|---|
| Electronically filed return | About three weeks |
| Mailed return | Six weeks or longer after IRS receipt |
Source: Internal Revenue Service
Common reasons your refund is delayed
According to the IRS refund guidance, processing may take longer when:
- A return contains a math error, missing information, or another mistake.
- The IRS needs to verify your identity or information on the return.
- You filed a paper return instead of filing electronically.
- You filed an amended return.
- You requested injured spouse relief.
- Your return requires additional IRS review.
Note: Incorrect or missing direct-deposit information may also affect how quickly you receive your money after a refund is approved.
EITC and ACTC refund holds
Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are subject to an additional timing rule. Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS can’t issue refunds containing either credit before mid-February.
The hold applies to the entire refund, not only the amount related to the EITC or ACTC. This requirement applies even when the return is accurate, so the delay itself doesn’t indicate a problem.
For an amended return, use Where’s My Amended Return? or your IRS Individual Online Account. Amended-return status generally appears about three weeks after filing.
Checking a delayed refund
You can track your refund with:
- Where’s My Refund?
- The IRS2Go mobile app
- Your IRS Individual Online Account
Refund information is typically available:
- 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return
- Three days after e-filing a prior-year return
- Four weeks after mailing a paper return
To check your refund status, you’ll need your:
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Filing status
- Tax year
- Exact refund amount
When to contact the IRS
For an original return, checking Where’s My Refund? is usually the best first step. The IRS generally recommends calling about a refund only when:
- It’s been at least three weeks since you e-filed.
- It’s been at least six weeks since you mailed a paper return.
- Where’s My Refund? specifically tells you to contact the IRS.
Different rules apply to special cases.
- For Form 8379 injured-spouse requests, the IRS says to wait 12 weeks after e-filing or 14 weeks after paper filing before calling.
- For Form 1040-X, use Where’s My Amended Return? after three weeks and call only if it has been more than 16 weeks or the tool directs you to call. When Where’s My Amended Return? isn’t the right solution, see IRS: Let us help you.
This article covers federal income tax refunds from the IRS. State refund timing and tracking rules vary by state.
