Tax season can be a stressful time for many people, especially those who are expecting a refund. While the process of filing taxes can be complicated, understanding how long it takes to get your refund back is the first step to making sure you get your money as quickly as possible. In this article, we'll look at the average time it takes to get your tax return and explore some of the factors that can affect the timeline.
Average Time To Receive a Tax Refund
The average time to receive a tax refund once you file your return is 21 days, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This is the amount of time it takes for the IRS to process your return, review it for accuracy and make sure you're eligible for the refund you're requesting. This timeframe does not include the time it takes for your bank to receive and process the refund.
Factors That Can Affect Your Tax Refund Timeline
The amount of time it takes for you to get your tax return can vary, depending on a few factors. The most common factor is the amount of time it takes for the IRS to process your return. If you submit your return during a busy season, the IRS may take longer to process your return and issue your refund. Other factors that can affect your refund timeline include:
- Errors in your return: If you make a mistake on your return, the IRS will need to review it longer. This can delay your refund.
- Filing status: If you file a joint return, the IRS will take longer to process it, as they need to review both filers’ information.
- Tax credits: If you request certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the IRS will take longer to process your return.
How You Can Get Your Refund Faster
If you want to get your refund faster, there are a few steps you can take. The first is to file your return as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner the IRS can begin processing your return and issuing your refund. You should also make sure to double-check your return for accuracy, as any errors can delay the process. Finally, you should consider filing your return electronically and choosing direct deposit. This will allow the IRS to process your return much faster and direct the refund to your bank account.
What To Do If Your Refund Is Delayed
If your refund is delayed, you should check the status of your return on the IRS website. This will provide you with an update on the status of your refund, as well as any potential issues that may have caused the delay. If you still have questions, you can call the IRS directly to discuss your situation. You can also contact a tax professional for assistance.
Conclusion
Getting your tax return can be a stressful process, but understanding the timeline and what can cause delays can help you make sure you get your refund as quickly as possible. The average time to receive a refund is 21 days, but this can vary depending on several factors. You can take steps to get your refund faster, such as filing early and ensuring your return is error-free. If your refund is delayed, you should check the status of your return on the IRS website and contact them if you have any questions.
