One of the most pressing questions we see every year during tax season – when can I expect my tax refund to come? This is followed by - Where is the IRS tax refund calendar we've seen in past years?
Before e-filing, this was always difficult to predict. First, you mail in your return. Then someone inputs all your information (and later, computers scanned in your information), then the Treasury had to issue a check, which was then mailed to you. Now, with a free IRS e-file, you can get your refund in as little as 8 days from when you file, if you elect for direct deposit.
For 9 out of 10 taxpayers, the IRS issued refunds in less than 21 days from the date the return was received last year. Skip right to the 2024 estimated tax refund calendar here >>
The IRS started accepting eFile tax returns on January 29, 2024.
However, many tax programs do allow you to file early - and some lucky filers even get accepted into test batches with the IRS.
2024 Tax Deadline: Monday, April 15, 2024.
The IRS does not release a calendar, but continues to issue guidance that most filers should receive their refund within 21 days. They also remind filers that many tax software programs allow you to submit your taxes before the start of tax season. However, these software programs don't eFile until the IRS opens the system (with a few minor exceptions for testing).
Also, you are legally allowed to mail in your 2023 tax return starting on January 1, 2024. However, if you mail in your return, you can expect to add at least 12 weeks to your processing time (at the low end). Make sure you understand all the tax deadlines here.
We also have put together an IRS Where's My Refund FAQ and Questions for common issues people are seeing this year.
Early Filers - You Will See A Delay In Your Refund
Early filers typically see a delay every year. We're hoping that this will likely not be as much of an issue this year due to minimal tax code changes, but we could see some curve balls.
Remember, Congress passed a law that requires the IRS to HOLD all tax refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until February 15, 2024, regardless of how early the tax return was filed. So, if you file on the first day, you might still be waiting until February 15 for your refund. This is due to the PATH Act. Learn more about the PATH Act here.
The IRS typically provides updates with direct deposit dates, assuming there are no other problems with the tax returns. We expect the actual first direct deposits to arrive the first week of February, similar to previous years.
The goal of this is to cut down on fraud and give the IRS time to ensure no duplicate returns are filed. The trouble is, the IRS will hold your entire tax refund, not just the EITC or ACTC part.
When you get your refund, don't let it go to waste! Make sure you put it in a high yield savings account ASAP!
Save Your Tax Return
If you're looking to get your tax return faster, check out this list of banks that allow you to get your tax refund a few days early.
While getting your tax return is exciting, consider saving it in one of these top savings accounts.
2024 IRS Refund Schedule Chart
Here is a chart of when you can expect your tax refund for when the return was accepted (based on e-Filing). This is an estimate based on past years trends, but based on past information, does seem accurate for about 90% of taxpayers. Also, as always, you can use the link after the calendar to get your specific refund status.
When can you file your 2023 federal tax return in 2024? Filing season is anytime between January 29 and April 15, 2024.
Now, when to expect my tax refund based on when it's accepted!
Note: The IRS sends direct deposits to bank accounts every business day during tax season. Our goal is to provide the end of the week in which you should hopefully receive your tax refund.
Looking for a printable version of this tax refund schedule for 2024? Check out this link to DOWNLOAD THE PDF VERSION HERE.
Want an HTML version? See below:
2024 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 29 - Feb 3, 2024 | Feb 23, 2024 | Mar 1, 2024 |
Feb 4 - Feb 10, 2024 | Mar 1, 2024 | Mar 8, 2024 |
Feb 11 - Feb 17, 2024 | Mar 8, 2024 | Mar 15, 2024 |
Feb 18 - Feb 24, 2024 | Mar 15, 2024 | Mar 22, 2024 |
Feb 25 - Mar 2, 2024 | Mar 22, 2024 | Mar 29, 2024 |
Mar 3 - Mar 9, 2024 | Mar 29, 2024 | Apr 5, 2024 |
Mar 10 - Mar 16, 2024 | Apr 5, 2024 | Apr 12, 2024 |
Mar 17 - Mar 23, 2024 | Apr 12, 2024 | Apr 19, 2024 |
Mar 24 - Mar 30, 2024 | Apr 19, 2024 | Apr 26, 2024 |
Mar 31 - Apr 6, 2024 | Apr 26, 2024 | May 3, 2024 |
Apr 7 - Apr 13, 2024 | May 3, 2024 | May 10, 2024 |
Apr 14 - Apr 20, 2024 | May 10, 2024 | May 17, 2024 |
Apr 21 - Apr 27, 2024 | May 17, 2024 | May 24, 2024 |
Apr 28 - May 4, 2024 | May 24, 2024 | May 31, 2024 |
May 5 - May 11, 2024 | May 31, 2024 | Jun 7, 2024 |
May 12 - May 18, 2024 | Jun 7, 2024 | Jun 14, 2024 |
May 19 - May 25, 2024 | Jun 14, 2024 | Jun 21, 2024 |
May 26 - Jun 1, 2024 | Jun 21, 2024 | Jun 28, 2024 |
Jun 2 - Jun 8, 2024 | Jun 28, 2024 | Jul 5, 2024 |
Jun 9 - Jun 15, 2024 | Jul 5, 2024 | Jul 12, 2024 |
Jun 16 - Jun 22, 2024 | Jul 12, 2024 | Jul 19, 2024 |
Jun 23 - Jun 29, 2024 | Jul 19, 2024 | Jul 26, 2024 |
Jun 30 - Jul 6, 2024 | Jul 26, 2024 | Aug 2, 2024 |
Jul 7 - Jul 13, 2024 | Aug 2, 2024 | Aug 9, 2024 |
Jul 14 - Jul 20, 2024 | Aug 9, 2024 | Aug 16, 2024 |
Jul 21 - Jul 27, 2024 | Aug 16, 2024 | Aug 23, 2024 |
Jul 28 - Aug 3, 2024 | Aug 23, 2024 | Aug 30, 2024 |
What If You File A Tax Extension In 2024?
If you file a tax extension in 2024, you can extend your tax deadline until October 15, 2024. Remember, if you choose to file an extension for your Federal tax return, you are still required to pay any taxes you may owe by the April deadline. If you are expecting a tax refund, that doesn't really matter - but you still need to file to claim your refund.
Here's a modified tax refund calendar specifically for those who filed a tax extension. We didn't want to clutter the above chart given the dates for filing an extension are typically 6 months later. However, the rule of 21 days on average still applies if you file a tax extension and claim your refund later.
2024 IRS Tax Extension Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Aug 4 - Aug 10, 2024 | Aug 30, 2024 | Sep 6, 2024 |
Aug 11 - Aug 17, 2024 | Sep 6, 2024 | Sep 13, 2024 |
Aug 18 - Aug 24, 2024 | Sep 13, 2024 | Sep 20, 2024 |
Aug 25 - Aug 31, 2024 | Sep 20, 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 |
Sep 1 - Sep 7, 2024 | Sep 27, 2024 | Oct 4, 2024 |
Sep 8 - Sep 14, 2024 | Oct 4, 2024 | Oct 11, 2024 |
Sep 15 - Sep 21, 2024 | Oct 11, 2024 | Oct 18, 2024 |
Sep 22 - Sep 28, 2024 | Oct 18, 2024 | Oct 25, 2024 |
Sept 29 - Oct 5, 2024 | Oct 25, 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 |
Oct 6 - Oct 12, 2024 | Nov 1, 2024 | Nov 8, 2024 |
Oct 13 - Oct 19, 2024 | Nov 8, 2024 | Nov 15, 2024 |
Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024 | Nov 15, 2024 | Nov 22, 2024 |
If, for some reason, you didn’t receive your return in the time specified above, give or take a few days, you can always use the IRS’s tool called Get Refund Status. Since the link requires personal information, here is the non-html version: https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp.
Once you enter all your information, it will tell you what is going on with your refund. Remember, if you input the wrong SSN, it could cause an IRS Error Code 9001, and might make your return be held for Identity Verification.
Also, many taxpayers are concerned because they received a Reference Code when checking WMR. Here is a complete list of IRS Reference Codes. Just match up the code with the one in the list, and see what the problem could be. As always, if you are concerned, you can call the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040.
Find Your State Tax Refund Too!
If you are waiting on your state tax refund, you can also check the status of that. We have our full guide to Tracking And Finding Your State Tax Refund here >>
Prior Years' Tax Refund Calendars
Looking for an old IRS refund chart? We saved them for you below.
Here is the 2023 IRS refund chart if you're still wanting to remember what happened last year.
2023 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 23 - Jan 28, 2023 | Feb 17, 2023 | Feb 24, 2023 |
Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2023 | Feb 24, 2023 | Mar 3, 2023 |
Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2023 | Mar 3, 2023 | Mar 10, 2023 |
Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2023 | Mar 10, 2023 | Mar 17, 2023 |
Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2023 | Mar 17, 2023 | Mar 24, 2023 |
Feb 26 - Mar 4, 2023 | Mar 24, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 |
Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2023 | Mar 31, 2023 | Apr 7, 2023 |
Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2023 | Apr 7, 2023 | April 14, 2023 |
Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2023 | Apr 14, 2023 | Apr 21, 2023 |
Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2023 | Apr 21, 2023 | Apr 28, 2023 |
Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2023 | Apr 28, 2023 | May 5, 2023 |
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2023 | May 5, 2023 | May 12, 2023 |
Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2023 | May 12, 2023 | May 19, 2023 |
Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2023 | May 19, 2023 | May 26, 2023 |
Apr 30 - May 6, 2023 | May 26, 2023 | Jun 2, 2023 |
May 7 - May 13, 2023 | Jun 2, 2023 | Jun 9, 2023 |
May 14 - May 20, 2023 | Jun 9, 2023 | Jun 16, 2023 |
May 21 - May 27, 2023 | Jun 16, 2023 | Jun 23, 2023 |
May 28 - Jun 3, 2023 | Jun 23, 2023 | Jun 30, 2023 |
Jun 4 - Jun 10, 2023 | Jun 30, 2023 | Jul 7, 2023 |
Jun 11 - Jun 17, 2023 | Jul 7, 2023 | Jul 14, 2023 |
Jun 18 - Jun 24, 2023 | Jul 14, 2023 | Jul 21, 2023 |
Jun 25 - Jul 1, 2023 | Jul 21, 2023 | Jul 28, 2023 |
Jul 2 - Jul 8, 2023 | Jul 28, 2023 | Aug 4, 2023 |
Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2023 | Aug 4, 2023 | Aug 11, 2023 |
Jul 16 - Jul 22, 2023 | Aug 11, 2023 | Aug 18, 2023 |
Jul 23 - Jul 29, 2023 | Aug 18, 2023 | Aug 25, 2023 |
Jul 30 - Aug 5, 2023 | Aug 25, 2023 | Sep 1, 2023 |
If you are looking for when to expect your tax extension return, see this table:
2023 IRS Tax Extension Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Aug 6 - Aug 12, 2023 | Sep 1, 2023 | Sep 8, 2023 |
Aug 13 - Aug 19, 2023 | Sep 8, 2023 | Sep 15, 2023 |
Aug 20 - Aug 26, 2023 | Sep 15, 2023 | Sep 22, 2023 |
Aug 27 - Sep 2, 2023 | Sep 22, 2023 | Sep 29, 2023 |
Sep 3 - Sep 9, 2023 | Sep 29, 2023 | Oct 6, 2023 |
Sep 10 - Sep 16, 2023 | Oct 6, 2023 | Oct 13, 2023 |
Sep 17 - Sep 23, 2023 | Oct 13, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 |
Sep 24 - Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 20, 2023 | Oct 27, 2023 |
Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2023 | Oct 27, 2023 | Nov 3, 2023 |
Oct 8 - Oct 14, 2023 | Nov 3, 2023 | Nov 10, 2023 |
Oct 15 - Oct 21, 2023 | Nov 10, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 |
Oct 22 - Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 17, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
Here is the 2022 IRS refund chart if you're still wanting to remember what happened last year.
2022 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 24 - Jan 29, 2022 | Feb 18, 2022 | Feb 25, 2022 |
Jan 30 - Feb 5, 2022 | Feb 25, 2022 | Mar 4, 2022 |
Feb 6 - Feb 12, 2022 | Mar 4, 2022 | Mar 11, 2022 |
Feb 13 - Feb 19, 2022 | Mar 11, 2022 | Mar 18, 2022 |
Feb 20 - Feb 26, 2022 | Mar 18, 2022 | Mar 25, 2022 |
Feb 27 - Mar 5, 2022 | Mar 25, 2022 | Apr 1, 2022 |
Mar 6 - Mar 12, 2022 | Apr 1, 2022 | Apr 8, 2022 |
Mar 13 - Mar 19, 2022 | Apr 8, 2022 | April 15, 2022 |
Mar 20 - Mar 26, 2022 | Apr 15, 2022 | Apr 22, 2022 |
Mar 27 - Apr 2, 2022 | Apr 22, 2022 | Apr 29, 2022 |
Apr 3 - Apr 9, 2022 | Apr 29, 2022 | May 6, 2022 |
Apr 10 - Apr 16, 2022 | May 6, 2022 | May 13, 2022 |
Apr 17 - Apr 23, 2022 | May 13, 2022 | May 20, 2022 |
Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2022 | May 20, 2022 | May 27, 2022 |
May 1 - May 7, 2022 | May 27, 2022 | Jun 3, 2022 |
May 8 - May 14, 2022 | Jun 3, 2022 | Jun 10, 2022 |
May 15 - May 21, 2022 | Jun 10, 2022 | Jun 17, 2022 |
May 22 - May 28, 2022 | Jun 17, 2022 | Jun 24, 2022 |
May 29 - Jun 4, 2022 | Jun 24, 2022 | Jul 1, 2022 |
Jun 5 - Jun 11, 2022 | Jul 1, 2022 | Jul 8, 2022 |
Jun 12 - Jun 18, 2022 | Jul 8, 2022 | Jul 15, 2022 |
Jun 19 - Jun 25, 2022 | Jul 15, 2022 | Jul 22, 2022 |
Jun 26 - Jul 2, 2022 | Jul 22, 2022 | Jul 29, 2022 |
Jul 3 - Jul 9, 2022 | Jul 29, 2022 | Aug 5, 2022 |
Jul 10 - Jul 16, 2022 | Aug 5, 2022 | Aug 12, 2022 |
Jul 17 - Jul 23, 2022 | Aug 12, 2022 | Aug 19, 2022 |
Jul 24 - Jul 30, 2022 | Aug 19, 2022 | Aug 26, 2022 |
Jul 31 - Aug 6, 2022 | Aug 26, 2022 | Sep 2, 2022 |
There's probably not much from 2021 you want to remember, but here's our tax refund schedule if you are still looking for it.
Coronavirus Pandemic Delays And Date Changes
One of the biggest areas of delays are mail returns. In 2020, we saw mail held up for months, and we expect mail delays to continue. If possible, always eFile. Sending your return via mail will cause significant delays in processing.
If you've already filed your return, our assumption is there will be continued delays in processing times. If your return is under review or other information is needed, you may experience significant delays due to staffing.
2021 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Feb 12 - Feb 13, 2021 | Feb 26, 2021 | Mar 5, 2021 |
Feb 14 - Feb 20, 2021 | Mar 5, 2021 | Mar 12, 2021 |
Feb 21 - Feb 27, 2021 | Mar 12, 2021 | Mar 19, 2021 |
Feb 28 - Mar 6, 2021 | Mar 19, 2021 | Mar 26, 2021 |
Mar 7 - Mar 13, 2021 | Mar 26, 2021 | Apr 2, 2021 |
Mar 14 - Mar 20, 2021 | Apr 2, 2021 | Apr 9, 2021 |
Mar 21 - Mar 27, 2021 | Apr 9, 2021 | Apr 16, 2021 |
Mar 28 - Apr 3, 2021 | Apr 16, 2021 | April 23, 2021 |
Apr 4 - Apr 10, 2021 | Apr 23, 2021 | Apr 30, 2021 |
Apr 11 - Apr 17, 2021 | Apr 30, 2021 | May 7, 2021 |
Apr 18 - Apr 24, 2021 | May 7, 2021 | May 14, 2021 |
Apr 25 - May 1, 2021 | May 14, 2021 | May 21, 2021 |
May 2 - May 8, 2021 | May 21, 2021 | May 28, 2021 |
May 9 - May 15, 2021 | May 28, 2021 | Jun 4, 2021 |
May 16 - May 22, 2021 | Jun 4, 2021 | Jun 11, 2021 |
May 23 - May 29, 2021 | Jun 11, 2021 | Jun 18, 2021 |
May 30 - Jun 5, 2021 | Jun 18, 2021 | Jun 25, 2021 |
Jun 6 - Jun 12, 2021 | Jun 25, 2021 | Jul 2, 2021 |
Jun 13 - Jun 19, 2021 | Jul 2, 2021 | Jul 9, 2021 |
Jun 20 - Jun 26, 2021 | Jul 9, 2021 | Jul 16, 2021 |
Jun 27 - Jul 3, 2021 | Jul 16, 2021 | Jul 23, 2021 |
Jul 4 - Jul 10, 2021 | Jul 23, 2021 | Jul 30, 2021 |
Jul 11 - Jul 17, 2021 | Jul 30, 2021 | Aug 6, 2021 |
Jul 18 - Jul 24, 2021 | Aug 6, 2021 | Aug 13, 2021 |
Jul 25 - Jul 31, 2021 | Aug 13, 2021 | Aug 20, 2021 |
There's probably not much from 2020 you want to remember, but here's our tax refund schedule if you are still looking for it:
2020 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 27 - Feb 1, 2020 | Feb 14, 2020 | Feb 21, 2020 |
Feb 2 - Feb 8, 2020 | Feb 21, 2020 | Feb 28, 2020 |
Feb 9 - Feb 15, 2020 | Feb 28, 2020 | Mar 6, 2020 |
Feb 16 - Feb 22, 2020 | Mar 6, 2020 | Mar 13, 2020 |
Feb 23 - Feb 29, 2020 | Mar 13, 2020 | Mar 20, 2020 |
Mar 1 - Mar 7, 2020 | Mar 20, 2020 | Mar 27, 2020 |
Mar 8 - Mar 14, 2020 | Mar 27, 2020 | Apr 3, 2020 |
Mar 15 - Mar 21, 2020 | Apr 3, 2020 | Apr 10, 2020 |
Mar 22 - Mar 28, 2020 | Apr 10, 2020 | Apr 17, 2020 |
Mar 29 - Apr 4, 2020 | Apr 17, 2020 | April 24, 2020 |
Apr 5 - Apr 11, 2020 | April 24, 2020 | May 1, 2020 |
Apr 12 - Apr 18, 2020 | May 1, 2020 | May 8, 2020 |
Apr 19 - Apr 25, 2020 | May 8, 2020 | May 15, 2020 |
Apr 26 - May 2, 2020 | May 15, 2020 | May 22, 2020 |
May 3 - May 9, 2020 | May 22, 2020 | May 29, 2020 |
May 10- May 16, 2020 | May 29, 2020 | Jun 5, 2020 |
May 17 - May 23, 2020 | Jun 5, 2020 | Jun 12, 2020 |
May 24 - May 30, 2020 | Jun 12, 2020 | Jun 19, 2020 |
May 31 - Jun 6, 2020 | Jun 19, 2020 | Jun 26, 2020 |
Jun 7 - Jun 13, 2020 | Jun 26, 2020 | Jul 3, 2020 |
Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2020 | Jul 3, 2020 | Jul 10, 2020 |
Jun 21 - Jun 27, 2020 | Jul 10, 2020 | Jul 17, 2020 |
Jun 28 - Jul 4, 2020 | Jul 17, 2020 | Jul 24, 2020 |
Jul 5 - Jul 11, 2020 | Jul 24, 2020 | Jul 31, 2020 |
Jul 12 - Jul 18, 2020 | Jul 31, 2020 | Aug 7, 2020 |
Jul 19 - Jul 25, 2020 | Aug 7, 2020 | Aug 14, 2020 |
Jul 26 - Aug 1, 2020 | Aug 14, 2020 | Aug 21, 2020 |
Here is the 2019 IRS refund calendar if you're still looking for it.
2019 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 28 - Feb 2, 2019 | Feb 15, 2019 | Feb 22, 2019 |
Feb 3 - Feb 9, 2019 | Feb 22, 2019 | Mar 1, 2019 |
Feb 10 - Feb 16, 2019 | Mar 1, 2019 | Mar 8, 2019 |
Feb 17 - Feb 23, 2019 | Mar 8, 2019 | Mar 15, 2019 |
Feb 24 - Mar 2, 2019 | Mar 15, 2019 | Mar 22, 2019 |
Mar 3 - Mar 9, 2019 | Mar 22, 2019 | Mar 29, 2019 |
Mar 10 - Mar 16, 2019 | Mar 29, 2019 | Apr 5, 2019 |
Mar 17 - Mar 23, 2019 | Apr 5, 2019 | Apr 12, 2019 |
Mar 24 - Mar 30, 2019 | Apr 12, 2019 | Apr 19, 2019 |
Mar 31 - Apr 6, 2019 | Apr 19, 2019 | April 26, 2019 |
Apr 7 - Apr 13, 2019 | April 26, 2019 | May 3, 2019 |
Apr 14 - Apr 20, 2019 | May 3, 2019 | May 10, 2019 |
Apr 21 - Apr 27, 2019 | May 10, 2019 | May 17, 2019 |
Apr 28 - May 4, 2019 | May 17, 2019 | May 24, 2019 |
Here is the 2018 tax refund calendar.
2018 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2018 | Feb 17, 2018 | Feb 24, 2018 |
Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2018 | Feb 24, 2018 | Mar 3, 2018 |
Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2018 | Mar 3, 2018 | Mar 10, 2018 |
Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2018 | Mar 10, 2018 | Mar 17, 2018 |
Feb 27 - Mar 4, 2018 | Mar 17, 2018 | Mar 24, 2018 |
Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2018 | Mar 24, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 |
Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 | Apr 7, 2018 |
Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2018 | Apr 7, 2018 | Apr 14, 2018 |
Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2018 | Apr 14, 2018 | Apr 21, 2018 |
Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2018 | Apr 21, 2018 | April 28, 2018 |
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2018 | April 28, 2018 | May 5, 2018 |
Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2018 | May 5, 2018 | May 12, 2018 |
Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2018 | May 12, 2018 | May 19, 2018 |
Still looking for the 2017 tax refund calendar? We saved it for you here:
2017 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 23 - Jan 28, 2017 | Feb 10, 2017 | Feb 17, 2017 |
Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2017 | Feb 17, 2017 | Feb 24, 2017 |
Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2017 | Feb 24, 2017 | Mar 3, 2017 |
Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2017 | Mar 3, 2017 | Mar 10, 2017 |
Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2017 | Mar 10, 2017 | Mar 17, 2017 |
Feb 27 - Mar 4, 2017 | Mar 17, 2017 | Mar 24, 2017 |
Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2017 | Mar 24, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 |
Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 | Apr 7, 2017 |
Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2017 | Apr 7, 2017 | Apr 14, 2017 |
Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2017 | Apr 14, 2017 | Apr 21, 2017 |
Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2017 | Apr 21, 2017 | April 28, 2017 |
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2017 | April 28, 2017 | May 5, 2017 |
Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2017 | May 5, 2017 | May 12, 2017 |
Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2017 | May 12, 2017 | May 19, 2017 |
Here is the 2016 tax refund calendar:
2016 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 19 - Jan 23, 2016 | Feb 5, 2016 | Feb 10, 2016 |
Jan 24 - Jan 30, 2016 | Feb 12, 2016 | Feb 17, 2016 |
Jan 31 - Feb 6, 2016 | Feb 19, 2016 | Feb 24, 2016 |
Feb 7 - 13, 2016 | Feb 26, 2016 | Mar 2, 2016 |
Feb 14 - 20, 2016 | Mar 4, 2016 | Mar 9, 2016 |
Feb 21 - 27, 2016 | Mar 11, 2016 | Mar 16, 2016 |
Feb 28 - Mar 5, 2016 | Mar 18, 2016 | Mar 23, 2016 |
Mar 6 - 12, 2016 | Mar 25, 2016 | Mar 30, 2016 |
Mar 13 - 19, 2016 | Apr 1, 2016 | Apr 6, 2016 |
Mar 20 - 26, 2016 | Apr 8, 2016 | Apr 13, 2016 |
Mar 27 - Apr 2, 2016 | Apr 15, 2016 | Apr 20, 2016 |
Apr 3 - Apr 9, 2016 | Apr 22, 2016 | April 27, 2016 |
Apr 10 - Apr 16, 2016 | April 29, 2016 | May 4, 2016 |
Apr 17 - Apr 23, 2016 | May 6, 2016 | May 11, 2016 |
Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2016 | May 13, 2016 | May 18, 2016 |
Here is the 2015 tax refund calendar:
2015 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 20 - Jan 24, 2015 | Feb 6, 2015 | Feb 9, 2015 |
Jan 25 - Jan 31, 2015 | Feb 13, 2015 | Feb 16, 2015 |
Feb 1 - Feb 7, 2015 | Feb 20, 2015 | Feb 23, 2015 |
Feb 8 - 14, 2015 | Feb 27, 2015 | Mar 2, 2015 |
Feb 15 - 21, 2015 | Mar 6, 2015 | Mar 13, 2015 |
Feb 22 - 28, 2015 | Mar 13, 2015 | Mar 20, 2015 |
Mar 1 - 7, 2015 | Mar 20, 2015 | Mar 27, 2015 |
Mar 8 - 14, 2015 | Mar 27, 2015 | Apr 3, 2015 |
Mar 15 - 21, 2015 | Apr 3, 2015 | Apr 10, 2015 |
Mar 22 - 28, 2015 | Apr 10, 2015 | Apr 17, 2015 |
Mar 29 - Apr 4, 2015 | Apr 17, 2015 | Apr 24, 2015 |
Apr 5 - Apr 11, 2015 | Apr 24, 2015 | May 1, 2015 |
Apr 12 - Apr 15, 2015 | May 1, 2015 | May 8, 2015 |
Apr 16 - Apr 25, 2015 | May 8, 2015 | May 15, 2015 |
Apr 26 - May 2, 2015 | May 15, 2015 | May 22, 2015 |
Here is the 2014 tax refund calendar:
2014 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Accepted Date | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2014 | Feb 13, 2014 | Feb 21, 2014 |
Feb 4 - 10, 2014 | Feb 21, 2014 | Feb 24, 2014 |
Feb 11 - 17, 2014 | Feb 28, 2014 | Mar 3, 2014 |
Feb 18 - 24, 2014 | Mar 7, 2014 | Mar 10, 2014 |
Feb 25 - Mar 3, 2014 | Mar 14, 2014 | Mar 17, 2014 |
Mar 4 - 10, 2014 | Mar 21, 2014 | Mar 24, 2014 |
Mar 11 - 17, 2014 | Mar 28, 2014 | Mar 31, 2014 |
Mar 18 - 24, 2014 | Apr 4, 2014 | Apr 7, 2014 |
Mar 25 - 31, 2014 | Apr 11, 2014 | Apr 14, 2014 |
Apr 1 - 7, 2014 | Apr 18, 2014 | Apr 21, 2014 |
Apr 8 - 14, 2014 | Apr 25, 2014 | Apr 28, 2014 |
Apr 15 - 21, 2014 | May 2, 2014 | May 5, 2014 |
Apr 22 - 28, 2014 | May 9, 2014 | May 12, 2014 |
IRS Refund Status - How To Track Your Refund
The IRS has multiple ways for taxpayers to track their tax refund.
The main ways to track your refund are:
- IRS2GO App
- Check My Refund Status online
- By calling the IRS
Note: the old "Where's my Refund" site is now simply called Check My Refund Status on the IRS webpage. It's essentially the same tool.
First, it starts with your tax software, tax preparer, or your paper tax return form. Once you submit it, the IRS receives it. To confirm the IRS receives it, you'll see the "accepted" message in your tracking software.
All "your tax return was accepted" means that it passed a basic test of having a valid social security number and other data. It doesn't mean anything except that it's in the IRS queue for processing. Your 21 day average starts from this point in time. If you filed before the IRS started accepting eFile submissions, your 21 day processing time starts from the IRS start date.
At the 21 day mark, you should either see a message that says approved or take action. If you're approved, you should have a date and see your direct deposit in your account within a few days of that date (depending on your bank). If you see a take action message, you may be subject to a tax offset or other issue. Check out these common IRS issues.
Important Notice For Tax Time
Did you know that identity theft, especially around tax season, is running rampant? People's credit information was stolen at Target, Home Depot, even The State of California. Now's a great time to make sure that your credit is safe.
Credit Karma: Second, now is a great time to check your credit report and make sure that there are no issues. You should be checking your credit at least once per year, and tax time is a great time to do it. We recommend using Credit Karma because it’s free! Plus, Credit Karma has a lot of great tools to help you improve your credit if you need to, and they can help you monitor your credit over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Refunds
Here are some of the most common questions and FAQs around this tax refund calendar and tax refund schedule:
When can I expect my tax refund?
The IRS says that 90% of tax filers receive their refund within 21 days. We built our tax refund calendar around this guideline. However, if you filed paper returns, your 21 day countdown doesn't start until the IRS inputs your return into the system - which can take about 8 weeks.
How do I check my tax refund status?
You can check your tax refund status for your federal tax return on the IRS Refund Status page. You can check your state tax refund on your state's tax refund status page.
What does it mean when your refund is pending with the IRS?
If your refund status says "Pending", this means that your tax return is in progress.
How long can the IRS hold your refund?
The IRS can technically hold your refund as long as necessary to resolve any issues with your tax return. However, most people see a hold resolved within 21 days of the IRS receiving the requested information from an additional review (such as identity verification).
What if I filed EITC or ACTC?
If you have the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund does not start processing until February 15. Your 21 day average starts from this point - so you can usually expect your tax refund the last week of February or first week of March.
How long does it take to process a return sent by mail?
If you mailed your tax return, allow twelve weeks for processing, then your 21 day period starts once your tax return is in the IRS system.
What if I get Tax Topic 152?
Tax Topic 152 simply means you're getting a refund! Sit back, relax, and wait for that direct deposit or check to come!
What if I get Tax Topic 151?
This means you have a tax offset. Some or all of your refund is being garnished. Read our full guide to this here.
One of the best ways we keep track of what's happening with tax refunds during tax season is your comments and feedback. Please drop a comment below and share your refund dates so others can know!
Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future. You can learn more about him on the About Page or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.
He regularly writes about investing, student loan debt, and general personal finance topics geared toward anyone wanting to earn more, get out of debt, and start building wealth for the future.
He has been quoted in major publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, ABC, NBC, Today, and more. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.
Editor: Clint Proctor Reviewed by: Ohan Kayikchyan Ph.D., CFP®