Where’s my tax refund? When to expect your refund from the IRS.

Core Insights - The IRS estimates that approximately 117.6 million taxpayers are owed refunds totaling $461.2 billion in fiscal year 2024 [1] Refund Processing Times - Most refunds are processed within 21 days of receiving a return, but various factors can affect this timeline [2] - E-filing and opting for direct deposit can expedite the refund process, while paper returns, especially those claiming certain credits, may take longer [3] Checking Refund Status - Taxpayers can check their refund status online through the IRS website or the IRS2Go app, with status updates available within 24 hours for e-filed returns or up to four weeks for paper returns [6] Refund Status Updates - The IRS provides several status updates: "Return received" indicates the return has been received, "Refund approved" means the return is processed and a refund is pending, and "Refund sent" confirms the funds have been dispatched [8][9][12] Common Reasons for Delayed Refunds - Errors or incomplete information on tax returns can lead to delays as the IRS may require an amended return [14] - Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit can also delay processing, as these refunds cannot be issued until mid-February [15] - Filing a paper return can result in longer wait times for refunds [16] - Potential identity theft or fraud may cause delays, necessitating further investigation [17] Contacting the IRS - Taxpayers should consider contacting the IRS if their refund is late, particularly if it has been more than 21 days since e-filing or more than six weeks since mailing a return [19][20]