Waiting for your tax refund can feel like watching paint dry, especially when you're counting on that money. The good news is, the IRS has a fairly predictable timeline for approving returns and issuing refunds, especially if you file electronically. Let's break down exactly how long you can expect to wait and how to stay informed every step of the way!
How Long After the IRS Received Your Return Is It Approved? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you've hit that "submit" button or dropped your envelope in the mail. Now what? The big question on everyone's mind is, how long until my money arrives? The "approval" of your tax return by the IRS is a crucial step in the refund process. It signifies that the IRS has processed your return and is preparing to send your refund. Let's dive into the typical timelines and factors that can influence them.
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| How Long After The Irs Received Your Return Is It Approved |
Step 1: Did You File Electronically or by Mail? This is Key!
Before we even talk about approval, let's address the most significant factor in your waiting game: how you filed your return. Did you embrace the digital age, or are you a traditional paper filer?
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Electronic Filing (E-file): The Speedy Route If you e-filed your Form 1040, you're already on the fast track. The IRS is set up to process e-filed returns much quicker. You can typically expect an initial acknowledgment from the IRS within 24 to 48 hours that your return has been received and accepted. This acceptance means the IRS has verified your basic information (like your Social Security number and filing status) and that your return doesn't have obvious errors that would cause it to be rejected.
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Paper Filing: The Slower Lane For those who prefer the traditional method, mailing in your tax return means a longer wait. The IRS has to manually process paper returns, which takes significantly more time. You're looking at a wait of approximately six to eight weeks from the date the IRS receives your return before it's processed and a refund is issued. It can take even longer for the information to show up in the online tools.
Step 2: Understanding the "Approval" Timeline for Refunds
Once your return is "accepted" (for e-filers) or manually processed (for paper filers), the IRS begins the deeper review and "approval" process, particularly if you're due a refund.
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For E-filed Returns with Direct Deposit: This is the fastest way to get your refund. The IRS generally issues most refunds for e-filed returns within 21 calendar days of accepting your return. Once the "Refund Approved" status shows up on the IRS tool, it typically takes a few more days for the money to reflect in your bank account, depending on your financial institution's processing times. Some banks might post it the same day, while others could take a day or two longer.
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For E-filed Returns with a Paper Check: If you e-filed but opted for a paper check, add approximately one week to the direct deposit timeline. The IRS still processes the return quickly, but the mailing time for the check adds to the overall wait.
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For Paper Returns (with Direct Deposit or Paper Check): As mentioned, paper returns take longer. Once processed, which can be 6 to 8 weeks after they receive it, the refund will be issued. Direct deposit will be quicker once issued, while a paper check will add mail time.
Important Note: The "approval" means the IRS has processed your return and determined the refund amount. It doesn't necessarily mean they won't review it further later, but for the purpose of getting your refund, it means the green light has been given.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Step 3: Tracking Your Tax Return Status with IRS Tools
You don't have to sit there guessing! The IRS provides excellent tools to help you track your return's progress.
Sub-heading: "Where's My Refund?" Tool
This is your go-to resource for tracking the status of your original tax return and any potential refund.
- How to Access: Visit IRS.gov and search for "Where's My Refund?" or download the IRS2Go mobile app.
- Information Needed: 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 whole dollar
amount of the refund you are expecting.
- Status Updates: The tool displays your progress through three stages:
- Return Received: The IRS has your return.
- Refund Approved: The IRS has processed your return and approved your refund. They are preparing to send it.
- Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent to your bank (for direct deposit) or mailed as a check.
- When to Check: You can start checking the status within 24 hours after e-filing your return. For paper returns, it takes about four weeks for the information to be available. The tool is updated once a day, usually overnight.
Sub-heading: "Where's My Amended Return?" Tool
If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), you'll need a different tool.
- How to Access: Visit IRS.gov and search for "Where's My Amended Return?"
- Information Needed: You'll need your SSN, date of birth, and ZIP code.
- Status Updates: This tool tracks the status through "Received," "Adjusted," or "Completed."
- When to Check: It can take up to three weeks for your amended return to show up in the system, and processing can take anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks.
Step 4: Factors That Can Cause Delays
While 21 days is the general target for e-filed refunds, several factors can extend the waiting period. Don't panic if your refund takes longer, but be aware of these common reasons:
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
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- Errors or Incomplete Information: Even a small typo, an incorrect Social Security number, or missing information can flag your return for manual review, significantly delaying processing. Always double-check everything before submitting!
- Claiming Certain Credits: Refunds involving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may be
delayed by law. The IRS cannot issue refunds for returns claiming these credits before a certain date (historically, mid-February) to allow for fraud prevention. - Identity Theft or Fraud: If the IRS suspects your return is related to identity theft or fraud, they will hold it for further review. You may receive a letter asking you to verify your identity.
- Review for Accuracy: Sometimes, returns are selected for a more in-depth review, even if there are no obvious errors. This could be due to complex tax situations or random selection.
- Amended Returns: As noted, amended returns (Form 1040-X) have a much longer processing time, typically 8 to 16 weeks, and can take up to three weeks just to show up in the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool.
- Outstanding Debts: If you owe federal or state taxes, child support, student loans, or other federal non-tax obligations, your refund may be offset to cover these debts. You will usually receive a notice if an offset occurs.
- Mailing a Paper Return: We've already covered this, but it bears repeating – paper filing dramatically increases processing time.
- IRS Processing Backlogs: Occasionally, due to high volume or system issues, the IRS may experience internal processing backlogs that can extend wait times for everyone.
- Bank Delays: Even after the IRS sends your direct deposit, your bank may take a few extra days to post the funds to your account.
Step 5: What if Your Refund Is Taking Longer Than Expected?
If it's been more than 21 days since you e-filed (or more than 6-8 weeks for a paper return), and "Where's My Refund?" hasn't updated or indicates a delay, what should you do?
- First, Re-check "Where's My Refund?": This is always your first step. The tool often provides messages indicating why there might be a delay or if you need to take action.
- Do NOT Call the IRS Immediately: The IRS asks that you only call if it's been more than 21 days since you e-filed, six weeks or more since you mailed a paper return, or if "Where's My Refund?" specifically tells you to contact them. Their phone assistors have the same information as the online tool.
- Look for a Letter from the IRS: If your return is held for review, identity verification, or an error, the IRS will typically send you a letter via mail. Respond promptly to any IRS correspondence.
- Consider a Taxpayer Advocate: If you are experiencing a significant financial hardship due to a delayed refund and you've exhausted other avenues, the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) may be able to help. They are an independent organization within the IRS that helps taxpayers resolve issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 common questions about IRS tax return approval and refunds, with quick answers:
How to check the status of my tax refund? You can check the status of your federal tax refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or via the IRS2Go mobile app. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount.
How to get my tax refund faster? The fastest way to get your tax refund is to e-file your return and choose direct deposit. Most e-filed refunds with direct deposit are issued within 21 days.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
How to know if the IRS has approved my return? The "Where's My Refund?" tool will show a status of "Refund Approved" once the IRS has processed your return and is preparing to send your refund.
How to find out why my refund is delayed? Check the "Where's My Refund?" tool for messages indicating a delay. If it's been more than 21 days (e-file) or 6-8 weeks (paper), or the tool directs you to contact the IRS, you may need to call their hotline or look for a letter from the IRS.
How to check the status of an amended tax return? Use the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool on IRS.gov. Amended returns (Form 1040-X) take significantly longer to process, typically 8 to 16 weeks.
How to contact the IRS about my refund? Only contact the IRS by phone if "Where's My Refund?" directs you to, if it's been over 21 days since you e-filed, or over six weeks since you mailed your paper return. Their phone number for individuals is 800-829-1040.
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
How to deal with a refund offset for outstanding debt? If your refund is offset, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) will send you a letter explaining the offset. If you believe the offset is incorrect or are an injured spouse, you may need to contact BFS or the agency to whom the debt is owed.
How to fix an error on a filed tax return? If you discover an error on a return you've already filed, you'll likely need to file an amended return, Form 1040-X.
How to ensure my refund isn't delayed next year? File electronically, choose direct deposit, double-check all information for accuracy before submitting, and file as early as possible in the tax season.
How to know if my refund was sent? The "Where's My Refund?" tool will update to "Refund Sent" once the IRS has dispatched your refund. For direct deposits, check your bank account within a few days of this status update.
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