The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2023 (returns filed in 2024).
It’s hard to wait patiently when you know you have a tax refund coming your way. Chances are you want to know the exact minute it will get to you. While there are no guarantees, we can give you an estimate of when it will arrive.
Estimated IRS tax refund dates
According to the IRS, most refunds are issued in less than 21 days, which is great news for your bank account. However, there’s always a slim chance that your refund may be delayed if your return requires additional review. So, hold off on spending the cash before it’s in your hands.
Although the IRS doesn’t guarantee when your refund will arrive, here are the estimated refund dates for the 2023 tax year (taxes filed 2024):
| E-File By | Direct Deposit Estimated Refund Date | Mailed Check Estimated Date |
| January 29 | February 9 | February 16 |
| February 5 | February 16 | February 23 |
| February 12 | February 23 | March 1 |
| February 19 | March 1 | March 8 |
| February 26 | March 8 | March 15 |
| March 4 | March 15 | March 22 |
| March 11 | March 22 | March 29 |
| March 18 | March 29 | April 5 |
| March 25 | April 5 | April 12 |
| April 1 | April 12 | April 19 |
| April 8 | April 19 | April 26 |
| April 15 | April 26 | May 3 |
| April 22 | May 3 | May 10 |
| April 29 | May 10 | May 17 |
| May 6 | May 17 | May 24 |
| May 13 | May 24 | May 31 |
| May 20 | May 31 | June 7 |
If you don’t file your taxes until April, expect a longer wait time for your refund to arrive as April is peak season. That’s why you’re better off filing as early as possible so you can get your refund faster.
Best way to track your refund
Once you’ve e-filed and your return has been accepted (typically 1-3 days after you file), you can begin tracking your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. The results are updated overnight so don’t waste your time visiting the site more than once a day. To check your refund status, all you need is your SSN or ITIN, filing status and refund amount.
You’ll then be able to see the status of your refund:
- Return Received – The IRS has received your return and are processing it.
- Refund Approved – The IRS has approved your refund and are preparing to issue it by the date shown.
- Refund Sent – The IRS sent the refund to your bank or to you in the mail.
When will I get my refund?
If your refund status is Sent, you can expect to see the money in your bank account within 5 business days, or a few weeks if it was sent by mail.
Fastest way to get your tax refund
The fastest way to get your money is to e-file with a tax program like ezTaxReturn.com and choose direct deposit for your refund. The IRS may issue a refund through direct deposit as soon as 10 days after you e-file with ezTaxReturn. Expect an additional week’s wait if you choose to receive your refund by mail.
With ezTaxReturn, most people can prepare their federal return in just 30 minutes. Providing inaccurate bank information will definitely slow down your refund, so always double check your entries. To make certain your refund gets directly to you, as fast as possible, copy your routing and account numbers exactly as they appear on your personal checks.
File your taxes fast and ez. Biggest possible refund, guaranteed.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
