Where’s My Refund? – Tax Updates & Resources for Taxpayers

IRS Where’s My Refund? Tax News and Information! Here you’ll find the best tax tips, helpful tax information, and incredibly useful tools!

Where’s My Refund? Tax Refund Updates

When can I file my tax return?

The first day the IRS officially starts approving your 2022 tax return is January 23, 2023. However, many tax software programs will allow you to complete your return and “file” it starting January 3, 2023. They will then hold the returns until the IRS begins accepting them.

When are taxes due?

The deadline to submit your 2022 tax return and pay your tax bill is ‪Tuesday, April 18, 2023. ‬If you can’t meet the tax filing deadline, you can file for an extension. But the sooner you file, the sooner you can receive your tax refund.

How long does it take to process a tax return?

Most federal tax returns are processed within 21 days, but some take longer. The easiest way to get a refund is to submit your return electronically and use direct deposit. However, if you submitted it on paper and are planning a refund, it may take 6 months or longer to process your return.

How long does it take to receive my tax refund?

Once the IRS receives your tax refund, many different factors can affect the timing of your tax refund. Although the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, the IRS reminds taxpayers not to expect to receive their refunds by a certain date, especially if they need to make purchases or pay bills. Some tax returns may require additional review and may take longer to process if the IRS system detects potential errors, missing information or forms, or if they suspect tax fraud or identity theft.

Some tax returns could take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:

• Is filed on paper
• Includes errors, such as incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit
• Is incomplete
• Needs further review in general
• Is affected by identity theft or fraud
• Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit.
• Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks 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 credits until at least Feb. 15, 2023. Please keep in mind it can still take a week to receive a 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.

2023 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 taxpayer’s 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.

Check out our 2023 Tax Refund Schedule for an Estimated Direct Deposit Date Here!

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. 15, AND IRS ANTICIPATES REFUNDS WON’T BE DIRECT-DEPOSITED UNTIL THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH.

Please 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.

2023 Tax Filing Season Important Dates & Deadlines

The table below shows the 2023 deadlines for filing 2022 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.

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