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When Will I Receive My Tax Refund? Will It Be Delayed?

by Kemberley Washington

Forbes Advisor

Sunday May 2, 2021

Although tax season started a bit later this year, you still have more time to file your taxes. Normally, taxes are due by April 15, but the IRS extended the filing deadline to May 17, 2021.

While the IRS assured filers at the beginning of tax season that they would receive their refunds in a timely manner, this hasn't always been the case. According to the Taxpayer Advocate Service, the high volume of 2020 tax returns, a backlog of 2019 paper returns, and the IRS being short-staffed has led to some taxpayers experiencing refund delays.

Typically, you can expect to receive your tax refund less than 21 days after filing electronically. However, if you file a paper tax return, expect delays. The IRS says paper tax returns may take longer to process due to Covid-19 mail delays. If you expect to receive a tax refund and want to get it as quickly as possible, file early and electronically.

Estimated IRS Refund Tax Schedule for 2020 Tax Returns

In prior years, the IRS issued its refund tax schedule to provide a timeline when you can expect to receive your tax refund. While the IRS no longer publishes a refund tax schedule, we put together an estimate when you might expect to receive your tax refund based on previous years.

How to Speed Up Your Tax Refund

There are some things you can do to speed up your refund, but once you file your taxes, they're in the hands—and on the timeline—of the IRS.

Here are steps you can do to ensure you get your refund as quickly as possible. are still a few things you should consider to receive your refund faster.

1. Request Direct Deposit of Your Refund

According to the IRS, eight out of 10 taxpayers use direct deposit to receive their tax refunds faster. This option is available to you whether you file online or by paper tax return.

If you do not have a bank account, you may want to consider other options, such as a prepaid debit card. With a prepaid debit card, you can use it to have the IRS issue your tax refund. But be careful, prepaid debit card providers may charge different fees. Shop around before deciding whether this is a good option for you.

2. File Your Tax Return Electronically

Combining both direct deposit and electronic filing can greatly speed up your tax refund. Since filing electronically requires the use of a tax software program, it can flag errors that may cause processing delays by the IRS. These errors may include incorrect Social Security numbers, dependents' dates of birth, and misspelling of names.

You can electronically file your tax return for free using the IRS Free File Program if your adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $72,000. Most simple tax returns (e.g. a basic W-2 and few deductions) can also generally be filed for free, although you may be charged to file your state taxes.

If your tax situation is more complicated — if you sold property, paid business expenses or earned investment or business income, for example — you should consider hiring a tax professional. Having a knowledgeable tax professional, such as an enrolled agent, certified public accountant (CPA) or other tax professional can help review your tax return and identify any mistakes that may slow down the processing of your tax refund.

3. Double Check Your Tax Return Before You File

Double checking your tax return prior to submission can ensure your tax refund is processed quickly. Failure to do so may cause the IRS to delay the processing of your tax refund.

Here is a list of questions to review prior to filing your tax return to ensure the IRS processes your tax refund as quickly as possible.

  • Did I review my identifying numbers (e.g. Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for myself, spouse and dependents?
  • Did I ensure the names on my tax return are spelled correctly?
  • Did I review my dependents' information?
  • Have I reviewed my bank's routing and account numbers for accuracy?
  • Did I include the correct date of birth for myself and dependents
  • Did I electronically sign my tax return (manually if filing by paper)?


    How to Track Your Tax Refund Status with the IRS

    If you expect a tax refund this year, you can track your tax refund status with the IRS Where's My Refund online tool or the IRS2Go mobile app.

    You will need to input your Social Security number, filing status and your expected refund amount. The IRS updates your tax refund information within 24 hours after e-filing and updates the tool daily. If you filed your tax return by mail, expect longer processing times and delays.

    If you do not have access to online tools, you can also contact the IRS by phone, at (800)829-1040 to obtain the status of your refund. Wait times average 15 minutes or longer during the peak of tax season.


    Some Tax Refunds May Be Delayed in 2021

    In addition to the delays we outlined above, if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your tax refund may also be delayed. If you claimed these credits, the IRS started to issue these tax refunds the first week of March if you claimed these credits.

    Your financial institution may also play a role in when you receive your refund. Since some banks do not process financial transactions during the weekends or holidays, you may experience a delay in processing. If you opt to receive your tax refund by paper check, use our tax refund schedule to determine when you can expect to receive your refund.

    Finally, you can expect your tax refund to be delayed if you filed an amended tax return. The IRS processes amended tax returns from three weeks up to 16 weeks after receipt. You can check the status of your amended tax return here.