2023 IRS Tax Refund Schedule & Tax Filing Checklist (For 2022 Tax Year)

Want to know when you might see your tax refund? We've got an entire full-year tax return schedule, a handy tax return checklist and answers to common questions waiting for you inside!

2023 IRS Tax Refund Schedule & Tax Filing Checklist (For 2022 Tax Year)

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

Accepted Approved Direct Deposit* Paper Check*
Jan 23, 2023 Jan 29, 2023 Feb 10, 2023 Feb 17, 2023
Jan 30, 2023 Feb 5, 2023 Feb 17, 2023 Feb 24, 2023
Feb 6, 2023 Feb 12, 2023 Feb 24, 2023 Mar 3, 2023
Feb 13, 2023 Feb 19, 2023 Mar 3, 2023 Mar 10, 2023
Feb 20, 2023 Feb 26, 2023 Mar 10, 2023 Mar 17, 2023
Feb 27, 2023 Mar 5, 2023 Mar 17, 2023 Mar 24, 2023
Mar 6, 2023 Mar 12, 2023 Mar 24, 2023 Mar 31, 2023
Mar 13, 2023 Mar 19, 2023 Mar 31, 2023 Apr 7, 2023
Mar 20, 2023 Mar 26, 2023 Apr 8, 2023 Apr 14, 2023
Mar 27, 2023 Apr 2, 2023 Apr 14, 2023 Apr 21, 2023
Apr 3, 2023 Apr 9, 2023 Apr 21, 2023 Apr 28, 2023
Apr 10, 2023 Apr 16, 2023 Apr 28, 2023 May 5, 2023
Apr 17, 2023 Apr 23, 2023 May 5, 2023 May 12, 2023
Apr 24, 2023 Apr 30, 2023 May 14, 2023 May 19, 2023
May 1, 2023 May 7, 2023 May 19, 2023 May 26, 2023
May 8, 2023 May 14, 2023 May 26, 2023 Jun 2, 2023
May 15, 2023 May 21, 2023 Jun 2, 2023 Jun 9, 2023
May 22, 2023 May 29, 2023 Jun 9, 2023 Jun 16, 2023
May 29, 2023 Jun 4, 2023 Jun 16, 2023 Jun 23, 2023
Jun 5, 2023 Jun 11, 2023 Jun 23, 2023 Jun 30, 2023
Jun 12, 2023 Jun 18, 2023 Jun 30, 2023 Jul 7, 2023
Jun 19, 2023 Jun 25, 2023 Jul 7, 2023 Jul 14, 2023
Jun 26, 2023 Jul 2, 2023 Jul 14, 2023 Jul 21, 2023
Jul 3, 2023 Jul 9, 2023 Jul 21, 2023 Jul 28, 2023
Jul 10, 2023 Jul 16, 2023 Jul 28, 2023 Aug 4, 2023
Jul 17, 2023 Jul 23, 2023 Aug 4, 2023 Aug 11, 2023
Jul 24, 2023 Jul 31, 2023 Aug 12, 2023 Aug 18, 2023
Jul 31, 2023 Aug 6, 2023 Aug 18, 2023 Aug 25, 2023
Aug 7, 2023 Aug 13, 2023 Aug 25, 2023 Sep 1, 2023
Aug 14, 2023 Aug 20, 2023 Sep 1, 2023 Sep 8, 2023
Aug 21, 2023 Aug 27, 2023 Sep 8, 2023 Sep 15, 2023
Aug 28, 2023 Sep 3, 2023 Sep 15, 2023 Sep 22, 2023
Sep 4, 2023 Sep 10, 2023 Sep 22, 2023 Sep 29, 2023
Sep 11, 2023 Sep 17, 2023 Sep 29, 2023 Oct 6, 2023
Sep 18, 2023 Sep 24, 2023 Oct 6, 2023 Oct 14, 2023
Sep 25, 2023 Oct 2, 2023 Oct 13, 2023 Oct 20, 2023
Oct 2, 2023 Oct 8, 2023 Oct 20, 2023 Oct 27, 2023
Oct 9, 2023 Oct 16, 2023 Oct 27, 2023 Nov 3, 2023
Oct 16, 2023 Oct 23, 2023 Nov 3, 2023 Nov 10, 2023
Oct 23, 2023 Oct 29, 2023 Nov 10, 2023 Nov 17, 2023
Oct 30, 2023 Nov 6, 2023 Nov 17, 2023 Nov 24, 2023
Nov 6, 2023 Nov 13, 2023 Nov 24, 2023 Dec 1, 2023
Nov 13, 2023 Nov 19, 2023 Dec 1, 2023 Dec 8, 2023
Nov 20, 2023 Nov 28, 2023 Dec 8, 2023 Dec 15, 2023
Nov 27, 2023 Dec 3, 2023 Dec 15, 2023 Dec 22, 2023
Dec 4, 2023 Dec 10, 2023 Dec 22, 2023 Dec 29, 2023

*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.

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)