How long does it take to get federal refund check?
John Thompson
Published Mar 23, 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.
What day does the IRS send out checks?
2019 Tax Refund Schedule (2018 Tax Year)
| 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 |
Can I cash my federal tax return check at Walmart?
Walmart charges a maximum of $3 if your refund check is less than $1,000. Or you’d pay $6 to cash a refund check that’s bigger than that amount. The limit is up to $7,500 on a check. Kroger will charge $3 to cash a tax refund check or other checks of up to $2,000 and then charge $5 starting at $2,000.01.
How to check the status of your tax refund?
Where’s My Refund. Check Your Refund Status Online in English or Spanish. Where’s My Refund? – One of IRS’s most popular online features-gives you information about your federal income tax refund. The tool tracks your refund’s progress through 3 stages: Return Received. Refund Approved. Refund Sent.
Where can I Cash my federal tax return check?
There are several options for check-cashing, although some require a fee. Compare the costs to find one that is most affordable for you. Any U.S. bank or credit union can cash your federal refund check because it is drawn on the U.S. Treasury.
Where does an undelivered tax refund check go?
Undelivered Federal Tax Refund Checks Refund checks are mailed to your last known address. If you move without notifying the IRS or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), your refund check may be returned to the IRS.
When will get my tax return?
When the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund, you can see your actual personalized refund date. Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days after we receive your tax return, it’s possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.
