IRS Tax Refund Schedule & Status

The IRS tax refund schedule is a simple chart that outlines when taxpayers can expect to receive their federal income tax refund.

The schedule is based on when the taxpayer (you) files their return, whether the return was e-filed or submitted on paper, and whether the taxpayer requested a direct deposit or a paper check.

Paper checks take longer for obvious reasons.

The IRS will typically issue refunds within 21 days of receiving a tax return. However, there might be delays due to a variety of factors, such as incomplete or incorrect information on the return, claims for additional refundable tax credits, or identity theft concerns.

You can use the tax refund schedule below to estimate when you might receive your refund, but please keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, the IRS can and will delay returns if needed.

Also, the schedule below only applies to federal income tax refunds. State tax refunds will likely have a different schedule.

You can also can check the status of your refund using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website or by calling the IRS refund hotline.

As the IRS will mention on their site,  you need to wait at least 24 hours after e-filing or four weeks after mailing a paper return before checking the status of a refund.

How To Use The Refund Schedule

Using the first line, here's how this works.

If you were to submit your tax return (e-file, or USPS) and the IRS received the tax return on January 23rd, 2023, 6 days later the refund would be approved.

If you had elected Direct Deposit, the IRS would issue the deposit by February 10th, 2023, though you may still have to wait 24 - 48 hours for your bank to clear it.

If you instead wanted a paper check mailed to your address you'd have an estimated 7 more days to wait (February 17th, 2023) until the check was mailed.

Note: A mailed check does not mean a received check, just like an initiated direct deposit doesn't mean the money is instantly available in your bank account!

Tax Refund Schedule

*The IRS can change these dates at any time for any reason.

IRS Tax Filing Checklist

Tax Filing Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you have all the documents and information you need to file your taxes. If you'd like to print it as-is with unchecked boxes that you can check off later, hit the print button at the bottom. If you'd like to email this list you need to check the items you want to include, or click "Check All" and then click the email button to send the list.

• W-2 form
• 1099 forms (if applicable)
• Receipts for tax-deductible expenses (e.g. charitable donations, business expenses, etc.)
• Health insurance information (e.g. Form 1095-A, if purchased through the Marketplace)
• Bank statements and investment statements
• Form 1040 (federal income tax return)
• State tax forms (if applicable)
• Social Security benefits statement (Form SSA-1099)
• Tuition statement (Form 1098-T)
• Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
• Property tax statement
• Retirement plan contributions statement (Form 5498 or W-2)
• Self-employment income and expense records
• Information for dependents (e.g. Social Security numbers, dates of birth, etc.)
• Documents related to homeownership (e.g. mortgage interest statements, property tax bills, etc.)
• Retirement account documents (e.g. 401(k) or IRA contribution statements)
• Education-related documents (e.g. Form 1098-T, student loan interest statements, etc.)
• IRA contribution records
• 529 plan contribution records
• Rental income and expense records
• Gambling winnings and losses
• Jury duty pay records (if applicable)
• Military income and tax records (if applicable)
• Social Security income and tax records (if applicable)
• Disability income and tax records (if applicable)
• Alimony paid or received (if applicable)
• Scholarship and fellowship income (if applicable)
• Moving expense records (if applicable)
• Foreign bank account records (if applicable)

Common Federal Tax Questions

What is a tax refund?

A tax refund is the money you receive back from the government if you paid more taxes during the year than you owed. It's essentially a reimbursement for overpaying on your taxes. (Source: IRS)

How do I know if I'm eligible for a tax refund?

You are eligible for a tax refund if you had too much tax withheld from your pay, or you are eligible for certain refundable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit. (Source: IRS)

When can I expect to receive my tax refund?

The timing of your tax refund depends on when you filed your tax return and how you chose to receive your refund. The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days of receiving a tax return, but it can take longer if the return requires additional review. You can check the status of your refund on the IRS website or by calling the IRS refund hotline. (Source: IRS)

How can I check the status of my tax refund?

You can check the status of your tax refund on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You'll need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund. (Source: IRS)

Can I track my refund if I filed a paper tax return?

Yes, you can still track your refund if you filed a paper tax return. However, it may take longer for the IRS to process a paper return, so you should wait at least four weeks before checking the status of your refund. (Source: IRS)

What happens if I made a mistake on my tax return?

If you made a mistake on your tax return, you may need to file an amended return to correct the error. You should file an amended return if there's a change in your filing status, income, deductions, or credits. (Source: IRS)

Can I still receive a tax refund if I owe back taxes?

No, if you owe back taxes, the IRS will use your refund to offset the amount you owe. This is known as an offset or a refund offset. (Source: IRS)

What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. The credit is based on your income, filing status, and number of qualifying children. You can claim the EITC on your tax return if you meet the eligibility requirements. In 2022, the maximum credit amount for the EITC is $6,935 for a family with three or more qualifying children. (Source: IRS)

What is the Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit is a tax credit for families with qualifying children. The credit is worth up to $2,000 per child, and up to $1,400 of the credit is refundable. To qualify for the credit, the child must be under age 17 and meet certain other requirements. (Source: IRS)

What is the American Opportunity Tax Credit?

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is a tax credit for higher education expenses. The credit is worth up to $2,500 per eligible student, and up to $1,000 of the credit is refundable. To qualify for the credit, the student must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program and meet other eligibility requirements. (Source: IRS)

Can I claim a tax deduction for charitable donations?

Yes, you can claim a tax deduction for charitable donations if you itemize your deductions on your tax return. You will need to keep records of your donations, such as receipts or canceled checks, and you should make sure that the organization you donate to is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. (Source: IRS)

What is the standard deduction for 2022?

The standard deduction for 2022 is $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for married couples filing jointly. The standard deduction reduces your taxable income and can be claimed in place of itemizing your deductions. (Source: IRS)