Getting a tax refund is usually a happy time for most Americans because it translates to more money. With over 63 million Americans that have filled out the 2021 tax return and the number is bound to increase. You will probably need the answers to some questions regarding tax refunds and I am here to shed light on one of them which is how long it takes to get a tax refund.
According to the IRS, it normally takes less than 21 days after filing to get your tax refund. But it could take longer if your tax returns require some additional review. You should check in any of the IRS’s phone or walk-in agents for follow-up on your tax returns if you have not been refunded after 21 days.
How to Follow Up on Your Tax Return Application?
9 out of 10 applicants receive their tax refunds in less than 21 days after filing according to the IRS. You can follow up on your application by using the ‘Where is My Refund’ tool at https://sa.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp after filing for your return electronically or mailing a return paper. You get to see the actual date of your refund when your application gets approved or if you are to call or go to the IRS walk-in representatives for more details.
You can also go straight up to the walk-in representative if you do not receive your refund:
- 21 days after filing your tax return electronically
- Over six weeks after filing through the mail
- If the ‘Where is My Refund’ tool says to contact the IRS agents over the phone for more information
You can also download the IRS2go mobile app to know your refund status.
How Long to Get A Tax Refund For Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) And Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Claimants?
Constitutionally, the IRS cannot pay claimants of ACTC and EITC prior to mid-February. Due to this, claimants of these benefits tend not to get their refunds on time as compared to non-claimants to allow the IRS time to properly investigate these claims and prevent fraud.
How To Hasten Your Tax Refund Payment?
Why delay your tax refund payment when you can get it earlier? There are two ways to speed up your refund payment.
- Electronic Filing: Filing for tax returns using this means is faster compared to the return paper mailing method because lesser time is needed to get your application to the IRS.
- Direct Deposit: The IRS has provided the direct deposit option where the IRS will electronically deposit your refund into your account saving you the stress of paper refund checks and also saving the country from unnecessary spending on paper checks.
Combining both is the way to go to hasten your refund payment.
Ways to Opt-in for Direct Deposit
Bank account: You will need to provide your bank’s routing number i.e. the Identification number of the bank branch you opened your account and your account number.
Debit Card: A prepaid debit card might be able to receive a tax refund. Contact your payment card service provider to inquire if your card is eligible and also for the routing and account number associated with your card.
Mobile Applications: This is also an option, some mobile apps permit the direct deposit of tax refund. You should contact your mobile app provider for the routing and account number.
FDIC: Visit the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission (FDIC) on how to open an account if you do not already have one.
You should know that the Direct Deposit option allows the IRS to deposit your refund into 1, 2, or 3 accounts as per your request.
Conclusion
All things being equal, if you applied for your tax return electronically and requested a direct deposit, you should get your payments in less than 21 days; otherwise, you should call the IRS to know what went wrong. It might take a bit longer if you applied for a tax benefit. It is important to keep checking on it to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Qualify for File A Tax Return?
Before you file that tax return, you should check if you are entitled to a refund. The IRS has provided a tool for you to check if you actually need to apply for a refund. Visit https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return and click begin to access the tool.
How To Get Tax Refunds as Saving Bonds?
You can use all or part of your tax refund to purchase U.S Series I Savings Bonds up to $5000 per year where it accrues interest. The option to purchase the bonds with your tax refund is available in the Part ll section of IRS form 8888.
