Tax season is winding down, although many filers wait until the final two weeks to submit their return. The average federal refund in 2025 was $3,167, but thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, refunds could be up $1,000 larger, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.
With so many Americans counting on refunds to cover everyday expenses, knowing when yours will arrive can alleviate a lot of stress.
Expert Assist plan includes unlimited assistance and a final review, while Expert Full Service adds a dedicated expert to complete and file your return.
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Terms apply. TurboTax Free Edition is for Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A). TurboTax reports that 37% of filers qualify for the free edition.
When will I get my refund?
Eligible taxpayers who file an electronic return and opt for direct deposit can expect their refund within 21 days, according to the IRS, as long as there are no inaccuracies or incomplete information.
About 94% of individual returns were submitted electronically in 2025, according to the IRS, but that still left approximately 11 million individual paper returns. If you send your return by mail or request a paper check, your refund may take 8 to 12 weeks to be processed.
To check the status of your return, use the Where's My Refund? tool on the IRS website. You'll need to input your Social Security number, filing status and the refund amount listed on your return.
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
The Deluxe plan comes with priority support and live chat, while the paid Pro Support tier adds access to a tax pro, phone support, live screenshare and assistance with federal and state returns
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
TaxAct Xpert Assist is available starting at $45
100% accuracy and maximum refund
Terms apply
Why is my refund late?
According to the IRS, a variety of issues could hold up a refund, including:
- You submitted a paper return through the mail
- Your return had math errors, was incomplete or unsigned.
- The IRS suspects identity theft or fraud.
- The agency is challenging a credit you've claimed
- You still owe the IRS a previous year's return.
- You're being audited for a previous tax year.
- Your bank or credit union has not posted the refund.
If you're claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, the IRS must wait until at least Feb. 21, 2026, to issue those refunds, and most are expected in bank accounts by March 2. (That's if the return had no problems and you chose direct deposit.)
Your refund may also be used to pay outstanding debts, including past-due federal or state taxes, child support or federal student loans.
If the IRS has put a hold on your return because of incorrect information, you can file an amended return correcting any mistake or contest the agency's findings within 60 days of receiving notice.
Remember, a hold on your refund is not the same as an audit. Reputable tax professionals and tax-prep software companies will guarantee their work and help you find a solution.
The IRS is usually affected by lapses in federal funding, and we've already had two in less than a year. The agency remained open during the 43-day shutdown in October, but according to a statement at the time, the only refunds sent out were "electronically filed, error-free tax returns that can be automatically processed and direct deposited."
So, if you have a paper return, don't include banking information for direct deposit or if there is incorrect or incomplete information on your return, another shutdown could delay it even further.
The IRS urges individual filers to file electronically with direct deposit to avoid delays.
During a shutdown:
- Taxpayers must continue to file and pay taxes as normal.
- The IRS website and IRS Free File will remain available
- All tax deadlines will remain in effect and payments will be processed
- Tax professionals, tax software companies and Free File will remain available.
- Only limited live customer service assistance will be available.
- IRS walk-in taxpayer assistance centers (TACs) are closed and appointments related to Independent Office of Appeals or Taxpayer Advocate Service cases are cancelled.
- The IRS won't respond to paper correspondence or emails.
- The IRS Income Verification Express Service (IVES) will remain available to help taxpayers authorize mortgage lenders, banks and others to request their tax return or wage transcripts
- The IRS won't process applications or determinations for tax-exempt status
- Criminal investigations will continue
Additional information should be made available in the IRS lapse plan.
How to get your refund faster
The best way to get a refund quickly is to file electronically and set up direct deposit for your payment.
Our top tax software companies include solutions for a variety of tax situations, with on-demand assistance from tax pros and free tiers for eligible filers.
If you want your refund faster than through a traditional bank, leading providers offer tax refund advances, essentially interest- and fee-free loans that put your refund in your hands weeks early.
Some providers require you to accept the funds through a mobile app, prepaid debit card or checking account. H&R Block offers refund advance loans of up to $3,500 through March 15, 2026. with no interest or fees. You'll need to open an account with the Spruce Mobile Banking app or get an H&R Block Emerald Card®, a prepaid debit card.
H&R Block
Free version
Yes
Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Live support
Live chat available with all paid plans
Tax refund advance loan
Yes
Read our H&R Block tax software review
Cash App Taxes doesn't offer refund advances, but if they arrange a deposit into a Cash App account, filers can get their refunds up to six days earlier than with a traditional bank. Cash App Taxes processes both federal and state returns for free and accepts nearly every IRS form and schedule.
Cash App Taxes
Online plan
One free plan for federal and state taxes, both simple returns and with multiple 1099s (e-filing for Montana is not available). Click "Learn More" for details.
Guarantees
Maximum refund and 100% accuracy guarantees
Live support
No
Tax refund advance loan
No
Read our review of Cash App Taxes
Terms apply
Pros
- Completely free
- Audit defense if the IRS audits your tax return
- Can get refund five days earlier if deposited in Cash App account
Cons
- No support from tax professionals
- Most information must be input manually
- Can't file returns for multiple states
FAQs
How long does it take to get a tax refund?
According to the IRS, if you e-filed your federal return and set up direct deposit, you should receive a refund within three weeks. If you submitted an amended return or filed by mail, it may take up to 12 weeks. If your return has errors or requires additional review, it may take even longer.
Why haven't I gotten my refund yet?
There are many reasons a refund may be delayed, including errors on the return, a challenge to a claimed credit or deduction, outstanding federal debts or an issue with your bank or credit union.
Where is my state refund?
Each state operates on a different timeline. In New Jersey, for example, filers who submit their state return electronically can expect it to take at least four weeks to be processed. If you submit a paper return, however, it can take 12 or more weeks for your refund to arrive.
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