How long after filing can I expect my tax return?
Sarah Duran
Published Apr 20, 2026
If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued in about six to eight weeks from the date IRS receives your return. If you file your return electronically, your refund should be issued in less than three weeks, even faster when you choose direct deposit.
How long did your tax return Take 2020?
Typically, taxpayers who file their returns electronically can expect to receive their tax refund within three weeks, or 21 days. Those who choose direct deposit can receive their refunds even faster, the IRS website says.
How long does it take the IRS to accept a tax return?
If you file electronically, the IRS can take up to three days to accept your return. If you mail in your return, it can take three additional weeks (the IRS has to manually enter your return into the system first). You should count another week into your time estimate if you request your refund as a check rather than a direct deposit.
How long does it take to get tax refund in 2020?
Check our 2020 tax refund schedule for more information or use the IRS2Go appto learn your status. For 2020 tax returns, the IRS said it planned to issue more than 90% of refunds within 21 days of e-filing. Some refunds could take as little as 14 days.
How can I find out if my tax refund is delayed?
If you filed your tax return and you’re still waiting on your refund, you are not alone. We’ll tell you how to find it. Use the IRS Where’s My Refund tool to find out if your money is delayed. Refunds are taking longer for the IRS to process this year, with some taxpayers waiting up to eight weeks to see their money.
Why is it taking so long to get my tax refund?
The IRS said it’s also taking longer than 21 days to issue refunds for some 2020 tax returns that require review, such as determining recovery rebate credit amounts for the first and second stimulus checks or figuring earned income tax credit and additional child tax credit amounts. Here’s a list of reasons your refund might be delayed:
