How long does it take for a refund to be approved after accepted?

What if my refund is approved but not sent?

So, if it appears the refund was issued, but you still haven't received it, you can ask the IRS to do a refund trace. This is the process the IRS uses to track a lost, stolen, or misplaced refund check or to verify a financial institution received a direct deposit.

How to get a refund faster?

Combining direct deposit with electronic filing is the fastest way to receive your refund. There's no chance of it going uncashed, getting lost, stolen, or destroyed. The IRS issues more than nine out of ten refunds in less than 21 days.

Why do refunds take 3 to 5 days?

When you pay with a card, your refund can take up to 10 working days. This is because both our payment partner and the bank that issued your card need to process the refund.

Why is a refund taking so long?

A tax refund could be delayed weeks or even months in some cases. The length of the delay may depend on how backed up the IRS is on processing tax returns, whether you turn around requested documentation quickly, and whether you need to file an amended return.

Do digital refunds process faster?

Electronic refunds are also processed much faster. Refunds paid by direct deposit are usually received within 21 days, whereas it may take six weeks or longer for refunds sent by mail. Electronic payments are also much cheaper for the IRS to process. For most taxpayers, this is not a big deal.

What's the difference between a refund received and a refund approved?

The refund tracker goes through 3 stages

Here's what each one means: Return Received – The IRS has received your tax return and it's being processed. Refund Approved – They've processed your tax return, and your tax refund has been approved. It will also provide an actual tax refund date.

What is the $600 rule in the IRS?

Initially included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the lower 1099-K threshold was meant to close tax gaps by flagging more digital income. It required platforms to report any user earning $600 or more, regardless of how many transactions they had.

What factors impact refund size?

Factors That May Increase Refund Amounts

• Federal tax law changes implemented in 2025.
• Payroll withholding systems not updated immediately.
• Overpayment of federal income taxes during the year.
• Adjustments applied retroactively at filing time.

What is the maximum time for refund processing?

The maximum time for a refund request to reflect in a customer's account is usually 7-14 business days, as it depends on the bank used for the payment.

What impacts refund approval time?

There are a variety of factors that may impact your refund processing time, including your fling method, your refund method, and the information included on your tax return. E-filing vs. paper filing: Your filing method is an important factor that can impact the amount of time it takes you to receive your refund.

How long is the refund processing time?

Processing your refund usually takes: Up to 21 days for an e-filed return. 6 weeks or more for returns sent by mail. Longer if your return needs corrections or extra review.

What is the longest tax refund going to take?

Tax refund schedule: How long does it take to get your tax refund?

• E-file and direct deposit1: Up to 3 weeks (21 days)
• E-file and mailed paper refund check2: Up to 3 weeks (21 days)
• Paper file and direct deposit or mailed paper refund check3: 6 to 8 weeks (42 to 56 days)

What if my refund was approved but not sent?

Refund sent or deposited by IRS. You should receive your tax refund from the IRS within 21 days after acceptance. If you have not received it by this time, contact the IRS for assistance.

Can I track my refund on my phone?

Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It's available anytime on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App.

Can I speed up my refund?

If you provide the information the IRS is asking for within the requested time, the IRS will immediately consider your request for an expedited refund. Some things to consider if you're seeking an expedited refund: An expedited refund is limited to your hardship amount verified by the IRS.

What is the 2/3/4 rule for credit cards?

The 2-3-4 rule for credit cards is a guideline Bank of America uses to limit how often you can open a new credit card account. According to this rule, applicants are limited to two new cards within 30 days, three new cards within 12 months, and four new cards within 24 months.

Do refunds get processed on weekends?

The IRS processes tax refunds on weekdays, specifically Monday through Friday. Refunds are typically issued within 21 days after the IRS accepts your tax return. However, several factors can influence this timeline.

Who gives the fastest refund?

By choosing the 5 days early refund delivery offered by TurboTax, you can receive your federal refund 5 days before the IRS would have delivered it. The IRS usually sends federal refunds within 21 days for most customers. This can be especially beneficial for those who need funds quickly.

Why are refunds so slow?

The IRS may need additional documentation to verify eligibility for these credits. If the IRS doesn't think you're eligible to claim the credits based on its return screening filters, it can delay your refund and ask for more information.

Who qualifies for instant refund?

TO QUALIFY: In order to qualify for an instant refund you must have a tax refund that is free and clear from any government debts or liens.