Filing at the last minute can also delay your return, especially if you file on paper, due to the sheer volume of people filing at that time. Later filing also increases the possibility that you'll fall victim to identity theft, where someone uses your Social Security number to file a fake return and claim a refund. The IRS delays processing returns bearing a Social Security number that has already been filed, so if you file first, the thief will be out of luck.
If the thief files first, your refund can be delayed for several months while the IRS verifies your information and tracks down the fraudulent return. The fastest way to receive a refund is to e-file a correct return and request a direct deposit of the refunded amount. This is one area, Holland says, where you should triple-check your data entry.
The IRS will issue a paper check once the deposit is rejected or returned by the bank, and mail the check to you. You can choose to have a paper check sent from the outset, rather than direct deposit.
This will technically delay your refund, compared to when you'd have it with direct deposit. Assuming everything else is correct, the delay is limited to the amount of time it takes the IRS to issue the check and the Postal Service to deliver it.
Even if everything on your return is accurate, filing on paper means it will take longer for you to receive your refund. The IRS estimates that refunds from electronically filed returns will be sent within three weeks.
It may take up to six weeks, however, to send refunds from paper-filed returns. While e-filing is the fastest option for most taxpayers, some situations require you to file a paper return. If you're requesting an adoption credit or filing a multiple support agreement, for example, you are ineligible to e-file your return.
Additionally, some forms and supporting documents, such as a power of attorney, require additional forms that must be mailed into the IRS even if you e-file.
If you need to make changes to your tax return after you've filed, you'll need to prepare an amended return. Amended returns are ineligible for e-filing and must be mailed to the IRS. Processing for an amendment takes an estimated eight to 12 weeks from the date the IRS receives the return.
Amending won't affect your original refund, of course. You might want to wait to amend a return with minor errors until you've received the original refund, cautions Holland. Remember, with TurboTax , we'll ask you simple questions about your life and help you fill out all the right tax forms.
Wait at least three days after e-filing your tax return before checking a refund status. When you e-file your tax return to the IRS, it needs approximately three days to update your information on the website. If you e-filed your tax return using TurboTax, you can check your e-file status online , to ensure it was accepted by the IRS. You'll also receive an e-mail confirmation directly from the IRS. However, if you mail a paper copy of your tax return, the IRS recommends that you wait three weeks before you begin checking your refund status.
Most taxpayers who e-file will receive their tax refund sooner. Before you sit down to check your refund status, the IRS requires that you have some of the information from your tax return. When you access the "Where's My Refund? When you finish entering this information, click on the "Submit" button on the page to see the status of your refund.
You will need the same three pieces of information as those who use the online tool, so be sure you have a copy of your tax return available.
Use TurboTax, IRS, and state resources to track your tax refund, check return status, and learn about common delays. Remember, with TurboTax , we'll ask you simple questions about your life and help you fill out all the right tax forms.
Whether you have a simple or complex tax situation, we've got you covered. Feel confident doing your own taxes. Feel confident doing your own taxes. Just answer simple questions about your life, and TurboTax Free Edition will take care of the rest. For Simple Tax Returns Only. Where's My Refund? Top 5 Reasons It's Been Delayed. Why is my IRS refund taking longer than 21 days?
Estimate your tax refund and where you stand Get started. See if you qualify for a third stimulus check and how much you can expect Get started. Easily calculate your tax rate to make smart financial decisions Get started. Estimate your self-employment tax and eliminate any surprises Get started. Know what dependents credits and deductions you can claim Get started.
Know what tax documents you'll need upfront Get started. Learn what education credits and deductions you qualify for and claim them on your tax return Get started. The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice.
Skip To Main Content.
0コメント