What Is the IRS Refund Schedule?

Know when to expect your refund from the IRS.

During tax season, "Where's my refund?" is a common question from taxpayers. The Internal Revenue Service does not provide an official schedule stating when refunds are issued, but it does provide authorized e-file providers (such as your tax preparer) a timeline indicating when a taxpayer should expect a refund.

Electronic Filing Requirement

The IRS timeline is an estimate, not a guarantee, and it only applies to taxpayers who e-file (file electronically). It does not apply to tax returns filed by mail.

IRS Weekly Cycle

The IRS processes tax returns on a cycle that runs from Friday to the following Thursday. To be included in a particular cycle, a taxpayer must e-file a return that is accepted by the IRS before 11 a.m. EST on Thursday.

Direct Deposit

Once a cycle ends, refunds can be directly deposited into the taxpayer's bank account eight days later on the second Friday on the month. The IRS processes direct deposits only on Fridays.

Paper Checks

If a taxpayer requests a paper check refund instead of direct deposit, it is mailed 15 days after the end of the cycle on the third Friday of the month. The IRS only mails out checks on Fridays.

Checking Status

Taxpayers can check on the status of their expected refund by calling the IRS at 800-829-1954 or 800-829-4477. Alternately, taxpayers can use the "Where's My Refund?" link on the IRS website (see Resources).

References

• TaxAct.com: IRS E-file Refund Cycle Chart

Resources

• IRS: Where's My Refund?