How long does it take to get tax refund once mailed direct deposit?
James Craig
Published Mar 22, 2026
Tax refund process
| Delivery type | Delivery time (date filed – receipt of tax refund) |
|---|---|
| E-file with direct deposit | 1-3 weeks |
| Paper file with direct deposit | 3 weeks |
| E-file with refund check in the mail | 6-8 weeks |
| Paper file with refund check in the mail | 6-8 weeks |
How long does refund take after mailed?
According to the IRS, taxpayers who mail in their returns but choose direct deposit of their refund will generally receive their refund in about three weeks. Those who e-file their returns but choose to receive a paper check in the mail will generally receive their refunds in about one month.
Why would refund be mailed instead of direct deposit?
If the IRS is not able to deposit your refund into your bank account for any reason, the IRS will mail you a check instead. Sometimes the routing or bank account number is wrong, invalid, missing one digit, or if the name is not exact as the bank account, this can cause rejection of the deposit.
Can I change my refund from mail to direct deposit?
The IRS does not allow you to change the method you receive your refund after you mail your return or the IRS accepts your electronic return. The IRS urges taxpayers to double-check the information on their return before submitting.
Can I change my tax refund from paper check to direct deposit for stimulus check?
Just select it as your refund method through your tax software and type in the account number and routing number. Or, tell your tax preparer you want direct deposit. You can even use direct deposit if you are one of the few people still filing by paper. Be sure to double check your entry to avoid errors.
How does direct deposit work for tax refund?
Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that a refund check could be lost or stolen or returned to the IRS as undeliverable. And it saves taxpayer money. It costs more than $1 for every paper refund issued, but only a dime for each direct deposit.
How can I find out if I received a direct deposit from the IRS?
The best way to find out which is to check the Get My Payment tool, available only on IRS.gov. People who don’t receive a direct deposit should watch their mail for either a paper check or a debit card.
When do I get my 2020 income tax refund?
It’s MARCH, and March Madness is about to start, but if you haven’t received your 2020 income tax refund yet, and you’re trying to find out when you might, we can help. Of course, you have to have already filed (either online by yourself or with a tax pro).
