Where's My Federal Tax Refund?

Between the government shutdown and the temporary government reopen, there has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the 2019 tax season.
 

When will I receive my tax refund? 

The IRS doesn’t put out a specific schedule detailing exactly when taxpayers can expect their refunds. But there are general guidelines that can offer a clue.

We know when you receive your tax refund depends largely on two major factors:

1. How you file your return (e-file or paper file), and 

2. How you set up your refund (direct deposit or paper check).

Taking those variables into account, refunds are generally expected to be received within the following times:

· E-file with direct deposit, 1-3 weeks

· E-file with paper check refund, 4 weeks

· Paper file with direct deposit, 6-8 weeks

· Paper file with paper check refund, up to 8 weeks

It’s important to understand these timelines are estimates only. For example, if you e-file with direct deposit the IRS generally says you’ll receive your refund in about two weeks. But many taxpayers receive theirs in just one week.

There are also certain factors that can make it take a little bit longer. For example, certain tax credits like the earned income tax credit and the additional child tax credit can delay a refund.

Factors that can delay your refund include:

· An error in your Social Security number, even if its only by one digit.

· An incomplete or incorrect address.

· Incorrect income or withholding numbers.

· Incomplete information, such as not providing your children’s Social Security      numbers.

· Math errors (though these are unlikely with tax preparation software)

· Entering incorrect or incomplete direct deposit information.