april offers plenty of options to help you understand how to snag your refund and what to do if any hiccups pop up. Just a heads up—once your return is accepted by the IRS (that’s the Internal Revenue Service), we won’t be able to provide updates or help track your refund. If the IRS has accepted your return, you’ll need to contact them directly for more information about your refund and when it’ll be processed.

The fastest way to get your tax refund is by direct deposit into your bank account (or your spouse’s, if filing together). Just grab your account and routing numbers, and pick whether it’s going into checking or savings. You can easily find these numbers on a check or by logging into your online banking.

An IRS refund check is mailed to your address if you choose not to use direct deposit, and it typically takes at least 4 weeks to arrive.

If you requested direct deposit but ended up with a paper check, it might be because the bank account you chose for direct deposit isn’t in your name or your spouse's name, your financial institution rejected the direct deposit, or you exceeded the limit of three refunds being directly deposited into one account.

Note: april’s Filer is not currently supporting direct deposit of your refund into multiple bank accounts.

The IRS usually issues most refunds within 21 days, so you can expect to receive your money pretty quickly. However, some tax returns may require additional review, which could delay the processing of your refund.

Common hiccups that can extend processing times include mailing in your return, waiting for an amended return refund, filing an injured spouse claim, or submitting a refund claim with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Note: If you filed before February 15th and are claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund should land in your account by February 27th if you chose direct deposit and everything checks out on your return.

To keep an eye on your federal refund, just visit the IRS website and use the “Where’s My Refund” tool. Have your Social Security or taxpayer ID number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return ready. Your refund will pass through three stages: Return Received (Accepted), Refund Approved, and Refund Sent. Once the IRS gets your return, they’ll review it for any math mistakes and check if you owe back taxes or other debts. If they find any outstanding amounts, those could be deducted from your expected refund.

If you don’t have internet access, you can still check on your refund by calling the refund hotline at 800-829-1954. For inquiries about an amended return, just dial 866-464-2050 for assistance.

You can start tracking your refund status within 24 hours after your e-filed tax return is accepted by the IRS. For prior tax years, wait about 3 or 4 days before checking. If you mailed in your return, give it about 4 weeks before looking for updates.

You can check the status of your refund and return on your state’s tax agency website, with all state sites conveniently listed here. Typically, it takes about 24 to 48 hours for your state return to be processed by your state. If your state return is still pending after this timeframe, it may be because your state hasn’t begun processing returns yet. Unlike the IRS, which starts processing federal returns early in the tax season, some states may not open for filing until later. This is especially common in early February when e-filing first opens, so it’s not unusual for your return to stay in pending status for a few days after your federal e-file status has been accepted.

If you're unsure about when to contact the IRS regarding your refund, keep these points in mind: if it's been 21 days or more since you e-filed your return without hearing anything, or if it’s been over 6 months since you mailed in your return, check the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool, and for state refund inquiries you can check your state’s tax website to see when they expect to process refunds for returns.

Understanding IRS refunds is key to a smoother tax season. From tracking your refund status to addressing any unexpected changes, being informed helps you navigate the process with confidence. Whether your refund arrives on time or requires a bit of extra attention, knowing what to expect allows you to manage your finances more effectively and enjoy the benefits of your hard-earned money.

If your refund is less than expected, a few reasons could be behind it. The IRS may have corrected mistakes on your return, and you’ll get a notice in the mail detailing those changes. Your refund might also have been applied to any outstanding IRS tax balances or certain state or federal debts, and if you filed jointly, it could have gone toward your spouse’s debts.

If you receive a refund that’s higher than you anticipated, avoid cashing the check. For unexpected direct deposits, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and inform your bank immediately. If you get an IRS notice explaining adjustments to your refund, follow the instructions provided. For all the details on returning an erroneous refund, check out IRS Tax Topic No. 161.

If you realize you've entered the wrong direct deposit account info, don’t worry—there are still options to get your refund. If your return hasn’t hit the IRS system yet, just call them at 1-800-829-1040 to request a stop on that direct deposit.

If your bank manages to recover the funds and sends them back, the IRS will mail a paper refund check to your last known address. If it’s been two weeks since you contacted your bank and nothing has happened, you’ll need to fill out Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to kick off a trace. Just remember, for security reasons, the IRS can’t reroute your refund to a new account, so keep an eye out for that paper check in the mail.

If your refund status shows that it has been sent to your bank, check the date and, if it’s recent, allow your bank a few days to process and deposit your refund. It’s also a good idea to double-check the account and routing numbers you provided for direct deposit, as your bank may sometimes reject or return the payment to the IRS. If that happens, the IRS will typically recognize the return and attempt to mail you a paper refund check. If you’ve already contacted your bank and still need clarity, don’t hesitate to call the IRS for further assistance regarding your refund status.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.

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