How Long Does A Tax Refund Check Take To Clear
Table of Contents
- IRS Refund Schedule for Direct Deposits and Check Refunds
- How to use the tax refund chart:
- 2021 Tax Refund Schedule (2020 Tax Year)
- When Will My Refund Be Available?
- Important Tax Filing Dates & Refund Dates
- When can I file my tax return?
- When are taxes due?
- How long does it take to receive my tax refund?
- Are there any expected tax refund delays?
- How Should You Request to Receive Your Refund?
- Tax Refund Schedule for Extensions and Amended Tax Returns
- How to Check the Status of Your Tax Return
- Get a Larger Tax Refund Next Year
- Getting Tax Relief if You Owe Money
- Update: IRS Announces Some Tax Refunds Will Be Late
- 2020 Tax Refund Schedule (2019 Tax Year)
- 2019 Tax Refund Schedule (2018 Tax Year)
When Can I File My Tax Return? The first day to officially file your tax return is February 12, 2021. Almost 90% of tax refunds are processed and issued within 21 days.
When it comes to filing a federal tax return, there are a few questions that people care about more than any other – how much tax will I pay, how much will I get back in my tax refund, and when will I receive it? Everything else, as they say, is just details.
There is no quick and easy answer to the first two questions. However, we can give you a rough idea of when you will receive your tax refund – but only if you file your federal taxes electronically using a software program or with the IRS E-File. 9 out of 10 taxpayers receive their tax refunds within 21 days when they file electronically.
Expect longer delays if you file your return on paper because it takes longer for the IRS to process your paperwork. The tax refund chart below offers more information on when to expect tax refunds.
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IRS Refund Schedule for Direct Deposits and Check Refunds
The following tax refund table is based on previous refund tables released by the IRS to help taxpayers know when they should receive their tax refund. The IRS moved to the Modernized E-file System (MEF) in 2013 (2012 tax year). The IRS only issued refunds once per week under the old system. They now issue refunds every business day, Monday through Friday (except holidays).
Due to changes in the IRS auditing system, they no longer release a full schedule as they did in previous years. The following chart is based on IRS statements, published guidelines, and estimates from past years. This IRS refund schedule should only be used as a rough guideline.
How to use the tax refund chart:
- Use the left-hand column to look up the date your tax refund was accepted by the IRS
- Use the middle or right column to look up when you should receive your refund (depending on how you requested your refund—direct deposit or paper check).
If you filed your taxes with E-File, you should receive a confirmation that your federal tax return was accepted by the IRS. This date will go in the left column. If you didn't file your taxes electronically, then this chart may not be useful for you for two reasons: you won't have a confirmation date regarding when your tax return was accepted, and paper tax returns are manually entered by IRS employees, so the process takes longer.
You will also note that this chart covers dates beyond the traditional filing date. If you file after April 15, 2021*, then you should file a tax extension request. It's simple to do, and can potentially save you a lot of money in penalties. Note: Some military members may be eligible for additional tax deadline extensions if they were deployed or served overseas during the tax year.
*Note: The tax deadline has been extended to May 17, 2021, due to the pandemic.
2021 Tax Refund Schedule (2020 Tax Year)
Note: The IRS e-file Open Date is February 12, 2021. However, in previous years, the IRS has accepted tax returns early or delayed the acceptance of returns, depending on technical issues. We will update this article to reflect that information if we hear about it this year. You can try to extrapolate the refund date based on the below chart.
| Tax Return Accepted By IRS | Refund Status Approved by IRS | Direct Deposit Sent* | Paper Check Mailed* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 8, 2021 | Feb 14, 2021 | Feb 26, 2021 | Mar 5, 2021 |
| Feb 15, 2021 | Feb 21, 2021 | Mar 5, 2021 | Mar 12, 2021 |
| Feb 22, 2021 | Feb 28, 2021 | Mar 12, 2021 | Mar 19, 2021 |
| Mar 1, 2021 | Mar 7, 2021 | Mar 19, 2021 | Mar 26, 2021 |
| Mar 8, 2021 | Mar 14, 2021 | Mar 26, 2021 | Apr 2, 2021 |
| Mar 15, 2021 | Mar 21, 2021 | Apr 2, 2021 | Apr 9, 2021 |
| Mar 22, 2021 | Mar 28, 2021 | Apr 9, 2021 | Apr 16, 2021 |
| Mar 29, 2021 | Apr 4, 2021 | Apr 16, 2021 | Apr 23, 2021 |
| Apr 5, 2021 | Apr 11, 2021 | Apr 23, 2021 | Apr 30, 2021 |
| Apr 12, 2021 | Apr 18, 2021 | Apr 30, 2021 | May 7, 2021 |
| Apr 19, 2021 | Apr 25, 2021 | May 7, 2021 | May 14, 2021 |
| Apr 26, 2021 | May 2, 2021 | May 14, 2021 | May 21, 2021 |
| May 3, 2021 | May 9, 2021 | May 21, 2021 | May 28, 2021 |
| May 10, 2021 | May 16, 2021 | May 28, 2021 | Jun 4, 2021 |
| May 17, 2021 | May 23, 2021 | Jun 4, 2021 | Jun 11, 2021 |
| May 24, 2021 | May 30, 2021 | Jun 11, 2021 | Jun 18, 2021 |
| May 31, 2021 | Jun 6, 2021 | Jun 18, 2021 | Jun 25, 2021 |
| Jun 7, 2021 | Jun 13, 2021 | Jun 25, 2021 | Jul 2, 2021 |
| Jun 14, 2021 | Jun 20, 2021 | Jul 2, 2021 | Jul 9, 2021 |
| Jun 21, 2021 | Jun 27, 2021 | Jul 9, 2021 | Jul 16, 2021 |
| Jun 28, 2021 | Jul 4, 2021 | Jul 16, 2021 | Jul 23, 2021 |
| Jul 5, 2021 | Jul 11, 2021 | Jul 23, 2021 | Jul 30, 2021 |
| Jul 12, 2021 | Jul 18, 2021 | Jul 30, 2021 | Aug 6, 2021 |
| Jul 19, 2021 | Jul 25, 2021 | Aug 6, 2021 | Aug 13, 2021 |
| Jul 26, 2021 | Aug 1, 2021 | Aug 13, 2021 | Aug 20, 2021 |
| Aug 2, 2021 | Aug 8, 2021 | Aug 20, 2021 | Aug 27, 2021 |
| Aug 9, 2021 | Aug 15, 2021 | Aug 27, 2021 | Sep 3, 2021 |
| Aug 16, 2021 | Aug 22, 2021 | Sep 3, 2021 | Sep 10, 2021 |
| Aug 23, 2021 | Aug 29, 2021 | Sep 10, 2021 | Sep 17, 2021 |
| Aug 30, 2021 | Sep 5, 2021 | Sep 17, 2021 | Sep 24, 2021 |
| Sep 6, 2021 | Sep 12, 2021 | Sep 24, 2021 | Oct 1, 2021 |
| Sep 13, 2021 | Sep 19, 2021 | Oct 1, 2021 | Oct 8, 2021 |
| Sep 20, 2021 | Sep 26, 2021 | Oct 8, 2021 | Oct 15, 2021 |
| Sep 27, 2021 | Oct 3, 2021 | Oct 15, 2021 | Oct 22, 2021 |
| Oct 4, 2021 | Oct 10, 2021 | Oct 22, 2021 | Oct 29, 2021 |
| Oct 11, 2021 | Oct 17, 2021 | Oct 29, 2021 | Nov 5, 2021 |
| Oct 18, 2021 | Oct 24, 2021 | Nov 5, 2021 | Nov 12, 2021 |
| Oct 25, 2021 | Oct 31, 2021 | Nov 12, 2021 | Nov 19, 2021 |
| Nov 1, 2021 | Nov 7, 2021 | Nov 19, 2021 | Nov 26, 2021 |
| Nov 8, 2021 | Nov 14, 2021 | Nov 26, 2021 | Dec 3, 2021 |
| Nov 15, 2021 | Nov 21, 2021 | Dec 3, 2021 | Dec 10, 2021 |
| Nov 22, 2021 | Nov 28, 2021 | Dec 10, 2021 | Dec 17, 2021 |
| Nov 29, 2021 | Dec 5, 2021 | Dec 17, 2021 | Dec 24, 2021 |
| Dec 6, 2021 | Dec 12, 2021 | Dec 24, 2021 | Dec 31, 2021 |
*Note: Again, these are estimated dates based on previous tax refund schedules released by the IRS. The IRS no longer publishes these tax refund charts, due to their auditing process.
When Will My Refund Be Available?
Keep in mind it may take a few days for your financial institution to make your deposit available to you, or it may take several days for the check to arrive in the mail. Keep this in mind when planning to use your tax refund. The IRS states to allow for 5 additional days for the funds to become available to you. In almost all cases a direct deposit will get you your tax refund more quickly than 5 days, and in some cases will be available immediately.
Important Tax Filing Dates & Refund Dates
When can I file my tax return?
The first official day to file your 2020 tax return is February 12, 2021. However, many tax software programs will allow you to complete your return and "file" it before that date. They will then hold the returns until the IRS begins accepting them. Some taxpayers who submit their electronic tax return early may be able to participate in the IRS HUB Testing program. This is a controlled testing of the federal tax return system. The IRS processes a small percentage of tax returns from major software providers to test the tax return submission process and allow for fixing bugs before opening the doors to all taxpayers.
When are taxes due?
Last year was a unique year for taxes, with the IRS automatically extending the tax filing deadline and the date federal income tax payments were due. There is a similar delay this year.
The tax filing deadline for the 2020 tax year is May 17, 2021.
The tax filing deadline was extended until May 17, 2021 due to the pandemic. This gives taxpayers an additional month in which to complete and file their tax returns.
April 15 is the tax deadline for most years unless it falls on a weekend or an observed holiday. April 16th is the observed holiday for Emancipation Day, for Washington DC, which may impact the tax-filing deadline in some years.
You can file a tax extension if you are not ready to file your taxes by the deadline. The tax deadline when you file an extension is October 15th, however, any federal income tax payments are due by the original tax filing deadline. It is recommended to make an estimated tax payment prior to April 15th if you believe you will owe federal taxes.
How long does it take to receive my tax refund?
Approximately 90% of taxpayers will receive their refunds in less than 21 days from the day their tax return was accepted by the IRS. Most people receive their refund in an average of 10-14 days.
You bank will usually make your payment available within 1-3 days of receiving the payment from the IRS. Checks may take longer to clear your bank.
Are there any expected tax refund delays?
Yes, tax refund delays are common. The IRS is required by federal law to withhold tax refunds for taxpayers who claim Earned Income Tax Credits and Additional Child Tax Credit until at least Feb. 15, 2020. Keep in mind it can still take a week to receive your refund after the IRS releases it. So some people who file early may experience delays while awaiting their refund. Refunds should be processed normally after this date.
Note: The IRS anticipates a slower tax season for the 2020 tax year due to the backlog of tax returns that were delayed due to the pandemic. There may also be some complications for those who did not initially qualify for the the 2020 economic stimulus payment, but may qualify for the payment based on a change of income in 2020.
The IRS recommends filing your tax return electronically for faster processing and tax refund payments.
Also note that new identity theft protections and anti-fraud measures may hold up some refunds, as some federal tax returns may be held for further review.
How Should You Request to Receive Your Refund?
The IRS gives you three options for receiving your refund:
- direct deposit (you can split your refund and have it sent to up to three banks)
- paper check (sent to your home)
- deposit into US Savings Bonds
You can also apply a refund to any future taxes owed. This is a popular choice among some small business owners who are required to pay estimated taxes.
Of the three refund options available to you, direct deposit is the fastest and safest option. You can receive your refund via an ACH bank transaction in as little as a few days. Paper checks, however, can take over a week to process, several days to travel via the postal system, and several days to clear your bank.
*Note: Some tax software companies also offer the option of receiving a tax refund on a prepaid debit card. I'm not particularly fond of this option, but it is available to some tax filers. In this case, the refund is first sent to the tax preparation company, then they issue you the prepaid debit card.
Tax Refund Schedule for Extensions and Amended Tax Returns
The refund schedule should be the same if you filed for a tax extension, however, there is no official schedule for tax refunds for amended tax returns. The above list only includes dates for e-filing an original tax return. Amended tax returns are processed manually and often take 8-12 weeks to process. If you do not receive an amended tax return refund within 8 weeks after you file it, then you should contact the IRS to check on the status.
How to Check the Status of Your Tax Return
You should be able to check IRS tax refund status roughly 24 hours after your receive confirmation from the IRS that they have received your tax refund via E-File. You will need to wait at least 4 weeks if you mailed in your tax return.
The best way to check the status of your federal tax refund is to visit the Where's My Refund page at the IRS website.
What you will need:
- Social Security Number
- Filing Status
- Exact refund amount
You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1954, or 1-800-829-4477, or 1-800-829-1040 and inquire about your tax return status with an IRS a customer service representative. Note that the IRS only updates tax return statuses once a day during the week, usually between midnight and 6 am. They do not update the status more than once a day, so checking throughout the day will not give you a different result.
Should I call the IRS to check my federal tax refund status? The IRS has stated you should only call them if it has been:
- 21 days or more since you e-filed
- 6 weeks or more since you mailed your return, or when
- "Where's My Refund," tells you to contact the IRS
Get a Larger Tax Refund Next Year
If you want a bigger tax refund next year, then there are a few ways you can increase the amount of money the government will give you as a tax refund. One of the easiest ways is by contributing to a tax-deferred retirement plan such as a 401k, the Thrift Savings Plan, or by opening a Traditional IRA, which allows you to deduct up to an additional $5,500 on your taxes each year (up to $6,500 if you are age 50 or older). You can open an IRA in a variety of locations, including banks, brokerage firms, independent advisors, and more.
Getting Tax Relief if You Owe Money
If you go through the tax filing process and come out owing the government money, there are options for getting tax relief. Some of the top companies to help with getting relief for taxes owed are:
Update: IRS Announces Some Tax Refunds Will Be Late
The IRS recently upgraded their computer systems to prevent tax refund fraud. This may affect people who filed early in the year. Find out if your tax refund will be late.
2020 Tax Refund Schedule (2019 Tax Year)
The IRS e-file Open Date was scheduled for January 21, 2020.
The pandemic in 2020 caused the IRS to extend the 2019 tax filing deadline from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers were also able to defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax. The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds are still being issued within 21 days." More info.
| Tax Return Accepted By IRS before 11:00 am between… | Direct Deposit Sent* | Paper Check Mailed* |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 and Jan 26, 2020 | Feb 03, 2020 | Feb 07, 2020 |
| Jan 27 and Feb 02, 2020 | Feb 10, 2020 | Feb 14, 2020 |
| Feb 03 and Feb 09, 2020 | Feb 17, 2020 | Feb 21, 2020 |
| Feb 10 and Feb 16, 2020 | Feb 24, 2020 | Feb 28, 2020 |
| Feb 17 and Feb 23, 2020 | Mar 02, 2020 | Mar 06, 2020 |
| Feb 24 and Mar 01, 2020 | Mar 19, 2020 | Mar 13, 2020 |
| Mar 02 and Mar 08, 2020 | Mar 16, 2020 | Mar 20, 2020 |
| Mar 19 and Mar 15, 2020 | Mar 23, 2020 | Mar 27, 2020 |
| Mar 16 and Mar 22, 2020 | Mar 30, 2020 | Apr 03, 2020 |
| Mar 23 and Mar 29, 2020 | Apr 06, 2020 | Apr 10, 2020 |
| Mar 30 and Apr 05, 2020 | Apr 13, 2020 | Apr 17, 2020 |
| Apr 06 and Apr 12, 2020 | Apr 20, 2020 | Apr 24, 2020 |
| Apr 13 and Apr 19, 2020 | Apr 27, 2020 | May 01, 2020 |
| Apr 20 and Apr 26, 2020 | May 04, 2020 | May 08, 2020 |
| Apr 27 and May 03, 2020 | May 11, 2020 | May 15, 2020 |
| May 04 and May 10, 2020 | May 18, 2020 | May 22, 2020 |
| May 11 and May 17, 2020 | May 25, 2020 | May 29, 2020 |
| May 18 and May 24, 2020 | Jun 01, 2020 | Jun 05, 2020 |
| May 25 and May 31, 2020 | Jun 08, 2020 | Jun 12, 2020 |
| Jun 01 and Jun 07, 2020 | Jun 15, 2020 | Jun 19, 2020 |
| Jun 08 and Jun 14, 2020 | Jun 22, 2020 | Jun 26, 2020 |
| Jun 15 and Jun 21, 2020 | Jun 29, 2020 | Jul 03, 2020 |
| Jun 22 and Jun 28, 2020 | Jul 06, 2020 | Jul 10, 2020 |
| Jun 29 and Jul 05, 2020 | Jul 13, 2020 | Jul 17, 2020 |
| Jul 06 and Jul 12, 2020 | Jul 20, 2020 | Jul 24, 2020 |
| Jul 13 and Jul 19, 2020 | Jul 27, 2020 | Jul 31, 2020 |
| Jul 20 and Jul 26, 2020 | Aug 03, 2020 | Aug 7, 2020 |
| Jul 27 and Aug 02, 2020 | Aug 10, 2020 | Aug 14, 2020 |
| Aug 03 and Aug 09, 2020 | Aug 17, 2020 | Aug 21, 2020 |
| Aug 10 and Aug 16, 2020 | Aug 24, 2020 | Aug 28, 2020 |
| Aug 17 and Aug 23, 2020 | Aug 31, 2020 | Sep 04, 2020 |
| Aug 24 and Aug 30, 2020 | Sep 07, 2020 | Sep 11, 2020 |
| Aug 31 and Sep 06, 2020 | Sep 14, 2020 | Sep 18, 2020 |
| Sep 07 and Sep 13, 2020 | Sep 21, 2020 | Sep 25, 2020 |
| Sep 14 and Sep 20, 2020 | Sep 28, 2020 | Oct 02, 2020 |
| Sep 20 and Sep 27, 2020 | Oct 05, 2020 | Oct 09, 2020 |
| Sep 28 and Oct 04, 2020 | Oct 12, 2020 | Oct 16, 2020 |
| Oct 05 and Oct 11, 2020 | Oct 19, 2020 | Oct 23, 2020 |
| Oct 12 and Oct 18, 2020 | Oct 26, 2020 | Oct 30, 2020 |
2019 Tax Refund Schedule (2018 Tax Year)
Note: The first official day to file tax 2018 returns was January 29, 2018.
| Tax Return Accepted By IRS before 11:00 am between… | Direct Deposit Sent* | Paper Check Mailed* |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 28 and Feb 03, 2019 | Feb 11, 2019 | Feb 15, 2019 |
| Feb 04 and Feb 10, 2019 | Feb 18, 2019 | Feb 22, 2019 |
| Feb 11 and Feb 17, 2019 | Feb 25, 2019 | Mar 1, 2019 |
| Feb 18 and Feb 24, 2019 | Mar 4, 2019 | Mar 8, 2019 |
| Feb 25 and Mar 03, 2019 | Mar 12, 2019 | Mar 15, 2019 |
| Mar 04 and Mar 10, 2019 | Mar 18, 2019 | Mar 22, 2019 |
| Mar 11 and Mar 17, 2019 | Mar 25, 2019 | Mar 29, 2019 |
| Mar 18 and Mar 24, 2019 | Apr 1, 2019 | Apr 5, 2019 |
| Mar 25 and Mar 31, 2019 | Apr 8, 2019 | Apr 12, 2019 |
| Apr 01 and Apr 07, 2019 | Apr 15, 2019 | Apr 19, 2019 |
| Apr 08 and Apr 14, 2019 | Apr 22, 2019 | Apr 26, 2019 |
| Apr 15 and Apr 21, 2019 | Apr 29, 2019 | May 3, 2019 |
| Apr 22 and Apr 28, 2019 | May 6, 2019 | May 10, 2019 |
| Apr 29 and May 05, 2019 | May 13, 2019 | May 17, 2019 |
| May 06 and May 12, 2019 | May 20, 2019 | May 24, 2019 |
| May 13 and May 19, 2019 | May 27, 2019 | May 30, 2019 |
| May 20 and May 26, 2019 | Jun 3, 2019 | Jun 7, 2019 |
| May 27 and Jun 02, 2019 | Jun 10, 2019 | Jun 14, 2019 |
| Jun 03 and Jun 09, 2019 | Jun 17, 2019 | Jun 21, 2019 |
| Jun 10 and Jun 16, 2019 | Jun 24, 2019 | Jun 28, 2019 |
| Jun 17 and Jun 23, 2019 | Jul 1, 2019 | Jul 5, 2019 |
| Jun 24 and Jun 30, 2019 | Jul 8, 2019 | Jul 12, 2019 |
| Jul 01 and Jul 07, 2019 | Jul 15, 2019 | Jul 19, 2019 |
| Jul 08 and Jul 14, 2019 | Jul 22, 2019 | Jul 26, 2019 |
| Jul 15 and Jul 21, 2019 | Jul 29, 2019 | Aug 2, 2019 |
| Jul 22 and Jul 28, 2019 | Aug 5, 2019 | Aug 9, 2019 |
| Jul 29 and Aug 04, 2019 | Aug 12, 2019 | Aug 16, 2019 |
| Aug 05 and Aug 11, 2019 | Aug 19, 2019 | Aug 23, 2019 |
| Aug 12 and Aug 18, 2019 | Aug 26, 2019 | Aug 30, 2019 |
| Aug 19 and Aug 25, 2019 | Sep 2, 2019 | Sep 6, 2019 |
| Aug 26 and Sep 01, 2019 | Sep 9, 2019 | Sep 13, 2019 |
| Sep 02 and Sep 08, 2019 | Sep 16, 2019 | Sep 20, 2019 |
| Sep 09 and Sep 15, 2019 | Sep 23, 2019 | Sep 27, 2019 |
| Sep 16 and Sep 22, 2019 | Sep 30, 2019 | Oct 4, 2019 |
| Sep 23 and Sep 29, 2019 | Oct 7, 2019 | Oct 11, 2019 |
| Sep 30 and Oct 06, 2019 | Oct 14, 2019 | Oct 18, 2019 |
| Oct 07 and Oct 13, 2019 | Oct 21, 2019 | Oct 25, 2019 |
Ryan Guina is The Military Wallet's founder. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over six years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the Illinois Air National Guard.
Ryan started The Military Wallet in 2007 after separating from active duty military service and has been writing about financial, small business, and military benefits topics since then. He also writes about personal finance and investing at Cash Money Life.
Ryan uses Personal Capital to track and manage his finances. Personal Capital is a free software program that allows him to track his net worth, balance his investment portfolio, track his income and expenses, and much more. You can open a free Personal Capital account here.
Featured In: Ryan's writing has been featured in the following publications: Forbes, Military.com, US News & World Report, Yahoo Finance, Reserve & National Guard Magazine (print and online editions), Military Influencer Magazine, Cash Money Life, The Military Guide, USAA, Go Banking Rates, and many other publications.
How Long Does A Tax Refund Check Take To Clear
Source: https://themilitarywallet.com/irs-federal-tax-refund-schedule/
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