When will I receive my federal refund?

If you e-file:
The IRS will usually accept or reject your return within a day, often within an hour or two. However, in some cases, it may take a few days. Once your return is accepted, then the time frame to get your refund begins and depends on which method you chose to receive your refund:

• Direct Deposit: The IRS says they'll process most refunds in less than 21 days from acceptance. In our experience, however, most people receive their refunds in 7 to 14 days.
• GO2bank Debit Card: You'll typically get your refund in 7-14 days (up to 5 days earlier than direct deposit).
• Mailed Check: The IRS will send you Notice CP53E requesting your direct deposit information or a valid reason why you should receive a paper check. If you fail to respond to the notice within 30 days from the date on the notice, the IRS will hold your refund for up to 6 weeks and then mail a check to the address shown on the tax return.

We've given you an estimated date based on the average time for returns to be accepted and the average time it takes to receive a refund. You may receive your refund slightly earlier or later than the date provided.

If you mail:
If you mail your return, the IRS says it'll take 6 weeks or more to process your refund.

You can check the status of your refund using one of the following:

• IRS Website: Where's My Refund 
• IRS Tax Refund Hotline: 1-800-829-1954
• IRS Phone App: IRS2Go

Refund information typically isn't available until at least 24 hours after you e-file your return (or 4 weeks, if you mailed it).

Note: The IRS will begin processing returns on January 27, 2026, so your refund won't begin processing until then. Your refund might be further delayed if you're filing before February 17, 2026 and you're claiming certain credits. For further information, see Why is my refund being delayed?