Once you know there’s a tax refund heading your way, no matter how quickly you get it, it’s not quick enough. Stalking your bank account (or the mailman) becomes a normal part of your daily routine until it arrives. Unfortunately, we can’t snap our fingers and make your refund immediately appear, but we can tell you when it’s likely to show up.
9 out of 10 tax refunds are issued within 21 days
Most people receive their refund within 3 weeks of filing. In some cases, it may take more time so you need to be patient. Calling the IRS or popping up at one of their local offices won’t get you your refund any quicker.
The IRS hasn’t released an official tax refund schedule but there are plenty of guesses floating around the internet. Remember, these dates aren’t set in stone so don’t get your hopes up too high. With that being said, here is the estimated tax refund schedule for 2020.
| File By | E-File with Direct Deposit | E-File with Refund Mailed | Paper File with Direct Deposit | Paper File with Refund Mailed |
| January 27 | February 10 | February 18 | February 24 | March 2 |
| February 3 | February 18 | February 24 | March 2 | March 9 |
| February 10 | February 24 | March 2 | March 9 | March 16 |
| February 17 | March 2 | March 9 | March 16 | March 23 |
| February 24 | March 9 | March 16 | March 23 | March 30 |
| March 2 | March 16 | March 23 | March 30 | April 6 |
| March 9 | March 23 | March 30 | April 6 | April 13 |
| March 16 | March 30 | April 6 | April 13 | April 20 |
| March 23 | April 6 | April 13 | April 20 | April 27 |
| March 30 | April 13 | April 20 | April 27 | May 4 |
| April 6 | April 20 | April 27 | May 4 | May 11 |
| April 13 | April 27 | May 4 | May 11 | May 28 |
Check your refund status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool
Why play the guessing game when you can find out the real deal? The “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov has all the answers you need. Simply submit your SSN or ITIN, filing status and refund amount. With this information, they’ll be able to provide your current refund status. E-filers can begin using the tool 24 hours after submission. Meanwhile, paper filers must wait 4 weeks after sending off their return.
E-File and direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund
You only have until April 15th to file your taxes without penalty so hurry up and get moving. The fastest and easiest way to get the job done is with ezTaxReturn. For most customers, it only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Eight out of 10 filers receive their refund faster by choosing e-file and direct deposit. So be sure to follow suit.
