If you have already filed your tax return, you must be eagerly waiting for your refund. The biggest question that most taxpayers have in mind is – what time does the IRS deposit tax refunds?
The exact date of refund arrival depends on several factors, but its process follows a set pattern. Let’s understand how tax refunds work, when you can expect to receive your money, and the right way to track it.
Refund deposit time
| Filing Method | Estimated Refund Time |
|---|---|
| E-file with direct deposit | Up to 21 days |
| Paper return by mail | 4+ weeks |
| Amended return | 16+ weeks |
The IRS usually deposits refunds between 12 am and 1 am. That is, if your refund is processed during this time, you may see the money in your bank account within a few hours.
But keep in mind that just because the IRS sends the money does not mean that it will show up in your account immediately.
Bank processing time
Each bank has its own processing policy. Some banks post the deposit immediately, while others may take 1 to 5 business days for it to show in the account.
However, most major banks release the money the same day the IRS sends it.
What is a tax refund?
A tax refund is the amount of money the IRS gives you back if you overpaid taxes for the year.
You can get a refund if you had more taxes withheld from your paycheck, or if you qualify for a tax credit like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit.
If you haven’t filed your tax return yet, keep in mind that you can claim your refund up to 3 years after the due date. After that, your money is held by the IRS!
How long does it take to get a tax refund?
The speed of your tax refund depends on how you filed it:
- E-File (Electronic Filing): If you filed your tax return online, the refund is usually processed within 21 days.
- Paper Return: If you mailed a paper return, it can take at least 4 weeks or more to process.
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, it may take additional time due to IRS security checks.
How to Track Tax Refund Status?
If you want to know where your tax refund is, use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
Here’s how it works:
- If you e-filed: You can check your status 48 hours after submitting it.
- If you sent a paper return: Wait at least 3 weeks.
- If you amended your return: It can take up to 16 weeks to process.
To check refund status:
Go to the IRS website and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Here you have to check the status by entering your:
- Social Security number
- Filing status (Single, Married, etc.)
- Refund amount
What to do if the refund is delayed?
If you are getting a longer delay than expected, check these things:
- Bank account: Check your bank account and transaction history.
- Check IRS tool: Check the status with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
- Contact IRS: If 21 days have passed and the money has not arrived, contact the IRS helpline.
Conclusion
Getting a tax refund is always good news, but it takes a little patience. If the IRS has sent your refund, it will show up in your bank account within a few days.
Until your refund arrives, keep an eye on your account and keep getting updates using IRS tools.
FAQs
What time does the IRS deposit tax refunds?
The IRS usually deposits refunds between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m.
How long does it take for a refund to arrive by direct deposit?
Refunds are credited to accounts within 21 days after electronic filing.
Why is my tax refund late?
There may be a delay if you filed a paper return, made a mistake, or your refund is under additional review.
Can I track my tax refund?
Yes, you can track your refund using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
Can a bank hold money sent by the IRS?
Some banks do not release the deposit immediately and may hold it for up to 5 business days.