Are you eagerly anticipating your tax refund and wondering, "How long does it take to get your tax return from TurboTax?" You're not alone! It's one of the most common questions after hitting that "file" button. While TurboTax facilitates the filing process, the actual refund comes from the IRS (for federal returns) and your state tax authority (for state returns). Understanding the timeline and how to track your refund can help ease the wait.
Let's break down the journey of your tax refund, from e-filing with TurboTax to it landing in your bank account.
Understanding the Refund Timeline: What to Expect
The IRS aims to issue most refunds within 21 calendar days of accepting an e-filed return. However, several factors can influence this timeline.
Step 1: The Initial Filing and Acceptance by TurboTax
So, you've spent the time, carefully entered all your information into TurboTax, and finally clicked "File." What happens next?
TurboTax E-file Status: Immediately after you submit, your return's status with TurboTax will likely show as "Pending." This simply means that TurboTax has received your return and is preparing to transmit it to the IRS.
Transmission to the IRS: TurboTax then sends your encrypted tax return data to the IRS. This usually happens very quickly, often within hours.
IRS Acceptance or Rejection: This is a crucial step! The IRS will either accept your return or reject it.
Accepted: This means the IRS has received your return and it passed their initial automated checks (e.g., correct Social Security number, no duplicate filings). This is not an approval of your refund, but a confirmation that they have your return and will begin processing it. You'll typically get an email notification from TurboTax when your federal return has been accepted, usually within 24 to 48 hours of e-filing.
Rejected: If your return is rejected, it means there's an error the IRS caught (e.g., incorrect AGI from the previous year, mismatched name/SSN). Don't panic! TurboTax will usually guide you through correcting the issue, and you can re-submit your return. A rejected return will delay your refund, as the clock only starts ticking once the IRS accepts a correct return.
Step 2: IRS Processing – The "Black Box" Phase
Once your return is "Accepted" by the IRS, it moves into the processing phase. This is where the IRS reviews your return for accuracy and verifies your claimed deductions and credits.
Standard Processing Time: For most e-filed returns without any issues, the IRS states they issue refunds within 21 days. This 21-day period is an estimate and not a guarantee.
Factors That Can Delay Your Federal Refund:
Claiming Certain Credits: If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), by law, the IRS cannot issue refunds for these returns before mid-February. This is to help prevent fraud. Even if you filed early, your refund won't be released until this time.
Errors or Incomplete Information: Even if your return was "accepted," further review by the IRS might reveal errors or missing information. This could lead to a manual review, significantly delaying your refund. The IRS will usually contact you by mail if they need more information.
Identity Theft or Fraud: If the IRS suspects identity theft or fraud related to your return, they will hold your refund and investigate. This can cause significant delays.
Amended Returns (Form 1040-X): If you filed an amended return, expect a much longer wait. These returns are processed manually and can take 16 weeks or more to process.
Paper-Filed Returns: While TurboTax encourages e-filing, if you opted to print and mail your return, the processing time is much longer. Paper returns can take four weeks or more to process after the IRS receives them.
Refund Offset: If you owe money to a federal or state agency (e.g., back taxes, child support, student loans), your refund may be "offset" or reduced to cover that debt. You'll receive a notice from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) if this happens.
Step 3: Tracking Your Federal Refund – Your Best Tools
While TurboTax can tell you if your return was accepted, they cannot tell you the exact date your refund will be deposited or mailed. For that, you need to go directly to the source: the IRS.
The IRS "Where's My Refund?" Tool: This is your primary resource for federal refund tracking.
When to Check: You can start checking your refund status 24 hours after the IRS accepts your e-filed return or four weeks after you mail a paper return.
Information You'll Need: To use the tool, you'll need:
Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Your Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, etc.).
The exact refund amount shown on your tax return.
Understanding the Status Updates: The "Where's My Refund?" tool displays progress through three phases:
Return Received: The IRS has your return and is processing it.
Refund Approved: The IRS has processed your return and confirmed your refund amount. They are preparing to send it. You'll typically see a direct deposit date or a mailing date here.
Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent to your financial institution (for direct deposit) or mailed as a paper check.
Update Frequency: The tool is usually updated once a day, typically overnight. So, checking multiple times a day won't give you new information.
IRS2Go Mobile App: The IRS also offers a free mobile app, IRS2Go, which provides the same "Where's My Refund?" functionality, allowing you to check your status on the go.
Step 4: Receiving Your Refund – Direct Deposit vs. Paper Check
The final step is getting your money! The method you choose significantly impacts how quickly you receive it.
Direct Deposit (Fastest Option):
If you opted for direct deposit, once the IRS shows "Refund Sent," your money is on its way to your bank.
It typically takes 1 to 5 business days for the funds to appear in your bank account after the IRS sends it. Some banks may process it faster than others.
Important Note: The IRS does not notify you when the deposit hits your account. You'll need to monitor your bank statements.
Paper Check (Slower Option):
If you chose to receive a paper check, the IRS will mail it to the address provided on your return.
This method adds significantly to the timeline. After the "Refund Sent" status, it can take an additional 5 to 10 business days for the check to arrive via mail.
Consider the mail service: Holidays and postal delays can further extend this timeframe.
Step 5: State Tax Refunds – A Separate Journey
Remember, your state tax refund is handled separately from your federal refund.
Variability by State: Each state has its own processing times and refund tracking systems. The timeline can vary greatly from one state to another.
How to Track Your State Refund:
TurboTax will provide links to your state's tax website for refund tracking.
You'll typically need your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact state refund amount.
Check your state's Department of Revenue or Taxation website directly for the most accurate information.
Key Takeaways for a Smooth Refund Process
E-file and Direct Deposit are King: For the fastest possible refund, always e-file your return and choose direct deposit.
Accuracy is Paramount: Double-check all your information before filing. Simple errors are the leading cause of refund delays.
Be Patient: While 21 days is the goal, delays can happen. Don't call the IRS or your tax preparer unless the "Where's My Refund?" tool indicates a significant delay or requests further action.
Keep Records: Always save a copy of your filed tax return for your records. This contains crucial information you'll need for tracking.
By understanding these steps and utilizing the available tracking tools, you'll be well-equipped to monitor your tax refund's progress and anticipate its arrival!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check my federal tax refund status after filing with TurboTax?
You can check your federal tax refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website (IRS.gov/refunds) or through the IRS2Go mobile app. You'll need your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and exact refund amount.
How to check my state tax refund status after filing with TurboTax?
To check your state tax refund status, visit your state's Department of Revenue or Taxation website. TurboTax often provides a link to your state's specific tracking page within your account after you file.
How to know if my TurboTax return has been accepted by the IRS?
TurboTax will notify you via email when your federal return has been accepted or rejected by the IRS. You can also log into your TurboTax account to view your e-file status, which will update from "Pending" to "Accepted" or "Rejected."
How to get my tax refund faster from TurboTax?
To get your tax refund as quickly as possible, e-file your return and choose direct deposit for your refund. These methods bypass manual processing and mailing times.
How to resolve a rejected TurboTax return?
If your TurboTax return is rejected, log back into your TurboTax account. The software will typically highlight the error and provide instructions on how to correct it. Once corrected, you can re-transmit your return.
How to know if my refund is delayed by the IRS?
The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool will indicate if your refund is delayed or if there's an issue requiring further action. If it's been more than 21 days since e-filing or 6 weeks since mailing and the tool shows no progress or asks for more information, then you may consider contacting the IRS.
How to understand the different statuses on "Where's My Refund?"?
The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool shows three main statuses: "Return Received" (they have your return), "Refund Approved" (they've processed it and confirmed the amount, with an expected deposit/mail date), and "Refund Sent" (the money has been sent).
How to handle a refund that was sent to the wrong bank account?
If you entered incorrect direct deposit information, the bank will usually reject the deposit if the names don't match, and the IRS will then mail you a paper check to the address on your return. If the funds were deposited into an incorrect but valid account, you'll need to contact that bank directly.
How to get a refund if I claimed the EITC or ACTC?
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), due to the PATH Act, the IRS cannot issue these refunds before mid-February. You can expect your refund around the first week of March if you chose direct deposit and there are no other issues.
How to contact the IRS about my refund?
The IRS generally asks that you only call if it has been more than 21 days since you e-filed or more than 6 weeks since you mailed your paper return. The number to call is 800-829-1954. Have your tax return handy when you call.
