Where’s My Refund?
Most people should expect to get their money three to six weeks after filing their return.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Delivered daily
Kiplinger Today
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more delivered daily. Smart money moves start here.
Sent five days a week
Kiplinger A Step Ahead
Get practical help to make better financial decisions in your everyday life, from spending to savings on top deals.
Delivered daily
Kiplinger Closing Bell
Get today's biggest financial and investing headlines delivered to your inbox every day the U.S. stock market is open.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Adviser Intel
Financial pros across the country share best practices and fresh tactics to preserve and grow your wealth.
Delivered weekly
Kiplinger Tax Tips
Trim your federal and state tax bills with practical tax-planning and tax-cutting strategies.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Retirement Tips
Your twice-a-week guide to planning and enjoying a financially secure and richly rewarding retirement
Sent bimonthly.
Kiplinger Adviser Angle
Insights for advisers, wealth managers and other financial professionals.
Sent twice a week
Kiplinger Investing Weekly
Your twice-a-week roundup of promising stocks, funds, companies and industries you should consider, ones you should avoid, and why.
Sent weekly for six weeks
Kiplinger Invest for Retirement
Your step-by-step six-part series on how to invest for retirement, from devising a successful strategy to exactly which investments to choose.
I filed my tax return a few weeks ago. When will I get my refund?
If you have filed -- or are about to file -- your tax return, you're probably wondering when that refund money is going to arrive. Most people will receive a big chunk of cash this year: The average refund for people who have filed so far is about $2,700, which is 11% higher than last year's figure.
You should expect to get your refund about six weeks after the IRS receives your paper return, or within three weeks after the acknowledgment date if you file electronically.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
You can check the status of your refund by using the Where's My Refund? tool at www.irs.gov starting 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of your e-filing, or three to four weeks after mailing your paper return. You'll need to provide your Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole-dollar amount of your refund.
Remember, though, that the IRS never contacts people through e-mail requesting their personal information or bank-account details for direct deposit. If you receive such a message, it's a scam, no matter how legitimate it might look. See Watch Out for Stimulus Scams for more information about recent tax-related schemes by identity thieves and other scam artists.
When you do get your refund, put it to good use so you can improve your long-term financial situation. See 5 Smart Uses for Your Tax Refund for more information.
Although getting a tax refund now might feel good, it means that you gave the government a tax-free loan for the year. Wouldn't you rather have more money in each paycheck -- especially in this economy? People who received the current average refund of $2,700 could have received an extra $225 per month in their paychecks if they had adjusted their withholding instead. For more information about adjusting your withholding and boosting your take-home pay, see Get Next Year's Refund Now. Then use our Updated 2009 Tax Withholding Calculator to figure out how many extra withholding allowances you may deserve.
And visit the Kiplinger Tax Center if you're still looking for last-minute tax-saving tips.
-
How Much It Costs to Host a Super Bowl Party in 2026Hosting a Super Bowl party in 2026 could cost you. Here's a breakdown of food, drink and entertainment costs — plus ways to save.
-
3 Reasons to Use a 5-Year CD As You Approach RetirementA five-year CD can help you reach other milestones as you approach retirement.
-
Your Adult Kids Are Doing Fine. Is It Time To Spend Some of Their Inheritance?If your kids are successful, do they need an inheritance? Ask yourself these four questions before passing down another dollar.
-
It’s Not Too Late to Boost Retirement Savings for 2018retirement Some retirement accounts will accept contributions for 2018 up until the April tax deadline.
-
How to Correct a Mistake on Your RMDs from IRAsretirement If you didn't take out the correct required minimum distribution because your brokerage firm made a mistake, the IRS may show some leniency.
-
Ways to Spend Your Flexible Spending Account Money by March 15 Deadline
spending Many workers will be hitting the drugstore in the next few days to use up leftover flexible spending account money from 2018 so they don’t lose it.
-
Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65
Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
-
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be Confusing
IRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
-
When You Can Expect to Receive Your Tax Refund
taxes The quickest way to receive your tax refund is to file electronically and have the money directly deposited into your bank account.
-
How a Move Can Change Your 529 Plan Tax Deduction
529 Plans The tax deduction you get for contributing to your state’s 529 plan can disappear if you move to another state.
-
Tap an IRA Tax-Free With an HSA Rollover
IRAs You can convert tax-deferred money in a traditional IRA into tax-free cash by rolling it over to a health savings account and using it to pay for medical bills.
