Where’s my Refund?

When can I file my tax return?

The first day the IRS officially starts approving your 2017 tax return is January 29, 2018. However, many tax software programs will allow you to complete your return and “file” it starting January 2, 2018. They will then hold the returns until the IRS begins accepting them.

When are taxes due?

You must file your taxes by April 17, 2018. (April 15 is the tax deadline for most years unless it falls on a weekend or an observed holiday. April 16, 2018, is the observed holiday for Emancipation Day, for Washington DC). You can file a tax extension if you are not ready to file your taxes by the deadline.

How long does it take to process a tax return?

How long it takes to process a return depends on many factors, including whether you e-file or file a paper return. As you might have guessed, e-filing results in a much quicker turnaround time. Paper returns have to be manually entered into the system and can remain in the queue for several days (or longer) before they can be processed. Of course, the complexity of your return also affects how long it takes to process your return.

How long does it take to receive my tax refund?

The IRS has a goal of getting tax refunds to taxpayers within 21 days. They reach this goal about 90% of the time. In fact, most people receive their refunds in about 10-14 days. In previous years, the IRS created a schedule for when they will send out federal tax refunds via direct deposit or by check. The general rule of thumb is that direct deposits will be sent out a few days before paper checks are sent out (the delay for a paper check can actually take up to one week, depending on how many refunds the IRS has to process).

Are there any expected tax refund delays?

Yes. The IRS is required to hold tax refunds for taxpayers who claim Earned Income Tax Credits and Additional Child Tax credit until at least Feb. 17, 2018. Keep in mind it can still take a week to receive the refund after the IRS releases it. So some people who file early may experience delays while awaiting their refund. Refunds should be processed normally after this date. Also note that new identity theft protection and anti-fraud measures may hold up some refunds, as some tax returns may be held for further review.

2018 IRS E-File Schedule for Direct Deposit and Check Refund Dates

In previous years, the IRS would publish a refund cycle chart showing when a particular tax return would be deposited into a taxpayers bank account if they elected Direct Deposit of their refund. This was true if the return was electronically filed and a refund was due to the taxpayer.  However, as a result of numerous fraud issues that have plagued the IRS community over the recent past, they have discontinued the use of this “Refund Cycle” chart and Publication 2043 has been revised.

Publication 2043 “IRS E-file Refund Cycle Chart” has been renamed “IRS Refund Information Guidelines for the Tax Preparation Community.” The new Publication 2043 is no longer a chart showing the refund cycle time frames. Instead, it provides guidance for taxpayers to check on their refunds. Taxpayers can also go on the IRS website and search “Where’s My Refund” to find information.

*RETURNS THAT CLAIM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT OR ADDITIONAL CHILD TAX CREDIT MUST BE HELD UNTIL FEB. 17, AND IRS ANTICIPATES REFUNDS WON’T BE DIRECT-DEPOSITED UNTIL THE WEEK OF FEB. 28.

Finally, note that the IRS is very clear that you shouldn’t plan your finances in anticipation of having your refund hit your bank account on any specific date. No tax schedule that you’ll see from any source can claim a guarantee of a date on which you’ll get your refund. Estimates like the ones above can be useful for your planning, but make sure you leave yourself some wiggle room in case your luck this tax season turns out to be bad.

2018 Tax Filing Season Dates to Remember

The table below shows 2018 deadlines for filing 2017 tax returns and requesting extensions.

An important point to note is that while you can file your taxes anytime after the beginning of the year, the IRS will not process any returns (paper or electronic) until IRS e-File goes live. As always taxes are due by April 15th (or nearest business day if on a weekend, though requesting an extension until October should not be that difficult to obtain for most taxpayers. The IRS also reiterated that filing your taxes electronically is the most accurate way to file a tax return and the fastest way to get a refund.

Online Tax Preparation Software	Pros	Cons	Visit Website
	Best price we could find for federal and state filing fees. Easy to use. Automatic refund calculator. Support for part-year nonresident state tax returns.	A professional tax consultant is not available. Deluxe edition costs an additional $5.95 for Audit Assist and Priority Support. Can’t import W-2, 1099 or other necessary forms into program.
	Good customer support options. Assistance with Affordable Care Act tax implications. Import W-2 forms & 1099-B forms from participating institutions. Ensures 100% accuracy.	Does not offer free federal e-filing for 1040EZ. Can’t be used for big business returns. Does not offer the services of a professional tax consultant.
	Free federal filing.	Couldn’t find the answers to many of our questions. Website does not explain features. Missing many features wanted in a tax service. No ability to import W-2 or other forms. No live chat or user forums.
	Price lock guarantee, accuracy guarantee, satisfaction guarantee and maximum refund pledge Affordable federal and state filing fees Free federal and state e-filing for 1040A and 1040EZ Five e-files plus 1 state return included with purchase of the download software Q&A interview guide filers about 2015 taxes and health insurance Professional audit defense Basic, Plus and Premium include identity recovery services Offers professional tax products for CPAs, accountants and other professionals Mobile version available Import W-2 forms from participating institutions as well as prior year returns and charitable donations Ensures 100% accuracy	Can only import 1099-B CVS file formats with Tax Act No user forum feature
	Very affordable pricing, especially for the number of features Free live chat and email support In-person support at Liberty Tax offices nationwide Import last year’s return from most major tax services Affordable Care Act forms and filing assistance 100% guarantee for biggest return, accuracy and customer satisfaction Free W-2 download Free professional audit assistance	No phone assistance No larger business filing options Additional fee for enhanced audit assistance and storing your prior returns No downloadable software available
	This online tax service charge the same fee regardless of the type of 1040 you are required to file. It does not charge extra for additional forms or self-employment income. This service does not require a credit card to file.	Although this service answered several of our emails within an hour, ezTaxReturn does not publish telephone numbers on its website nor does it provide chat support. This service does not provide service for filing business returns.

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