Guide3 min read · Updated October 15, 2026 · En español
When Will I Get My Tax Refund?
Most people who file online and pick direct deposit get their refund in about three weeks. Here's the timeline, and what can hold it up.
At a glance
21 daysTypical wait for an e-filed return with direct deposit
Late Jan.When the IRS usually starts taking returns
Early MarchWhen refunds with the EITC or child credit usually arrive
File online and choose direct deposit. It's the fastest way.
If you claim the EITC or the extra child tax credit, the law holds your refund until mid-February.
Track it with the IRS tool “Where's My Refund?” about a day after you e-file.
1The usual timeline
How you file
How long it usually takes
Online, with direct deposit
Within 21 days
Online, with a paper check
Longer, since the check is mailed
On paper, by mail
Six weeks or more
These times start when the IRS accepts your return, not when you send it. The IRS usually starts accepting returns in late January. Filing on the first day doesn't help much if you claim the credits below.
The IRS is moving away from paper checks. Giving your bank account and routing number is the safest choice.
2Why some refunds wait until March
A federal law (the PATH Act) says the IRS can't send refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February. This gives the IRS time to catch fraud.
So if you claim either one, expect your money in late February or early March, even if you file in January. It's normal, and it doesn't mean anything is wrong.
Federal: use “Where's My Refund?” at irs.gov/refunds. You need your Social Security number, filing status and the exact refund amount on your return. It updates once a day, usually overnight.
Oregon: use “Where's my refund?” on the Oregon Department of Revenue's Revenue Online site.
Washington: there's no state income tax, so there's no state refund to track.
The tracker shows three steps: received, approved, then sent. Calling the IRS won't speed it up, and phone agents see the same thing you do. What each status means.
4What slows a refund down
Mistakes on the return, like a wrong Social Security number or math errors.
Identity checks. If you get a letter asking you to confirm who you are, answer it quickly. Your refund waits until you do.
Money you owe. Past-due child support, federal debts or back taxes can be taken out of your refund. You'll get a letter explaining it.
Paper returns and amended returns. These are handled by hand and take much longer.