How fast can I get my tax refund? 

When will I get my refund this year?

According to the IRS, if you file a completed and accurate tax return electronically, then you can expect to get your federal refund in less than 3 weeks, and even faster if you’ve chosen direct deposit into your checking account, rather than waiting for a check in the mail. If you’ve filed a paper tax return sent by mail, the federal refund you’re owed will be issued in approximately 6 to 8 weeks (about 2 months) from the date that the IRS receives your completed return.

Does claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Advance Childcare Tax Credit (ACTC) delay my tax refund?

It depends on when you file your tax return. By law, the IRS must put a hold on returns that claim the EITC and ACTC until mid-February. This hold gives the IRS time to match returns with the information it has on file. That means if you filed early (for example, at the beginning of the new year, in January), you’ll have to wait for the hold to lift in mid-February to get your refund. But, if you file after the hold lifts (from mid-February to the final tax deadline of April 15), you should get your refund within 21 days (about 3 weeks).

The hold requirement is part of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, also known as the PATH Act.

How can I track my tax return?

Good news—it’s easy to check where your refund is in the process, either in person, online, or over the phone.

• When you file with Jackson Hewitt, you can track the status of your refund with a MyJH account, which is a secure online account that also stores your returns and tax documents. Set up your account here.
• You can also check the IRS website’s Where’s My Refund? tool, starting 24 hours after you e-filed (electronically) your return, though it can take up to 5 business days to appear. If you mail a paper return, it could take 3 weeks or more before you can check the status of your refund.
• You can also reach out to the IRS by phone, or with a walk-in representative if:
  • It’s been 21 days (about 3 weeks) or more since you filed electronically, or
  • It’s been more than 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) since you mailed your paper return.

Tips for getting your biggest refund you deserve, as soon as possible

The simplest strategy is the most effective. To get your refund as soon as possible, it’s extremely important to file early and accurately. Here are some tips to help speed up your federal refund when it comes time to file your tax return.

• File your tax return as soon as you have your tax documents, so that you’re one of the first in line for your refund.
• File your tax return electronically. The IRS generally accepts e-filed returns within 48 hours (about 2 days).
• Choose direct deposit if you have a checking account with a bank. This is safer and your tax refund will go right into your account, not to your mailbox.
• Mistakes on your tax return can hold up your refund. If you want to be 100% certain you’ve gotten everything in order, your local Tax Pro can help make sure your return is accurate, and that you’re claiming every credit, deduction, and dollar you deserve.

Follow these steps, and you’ll get your refund fast, and won’t leave any of your money on the table.

What if my tax return was filed with mistakes?

Don’t panic. Most of the time, errors on tax returns are simple ones, and you can correct the error and either e-file your Amended tax return (Form 1040X) or send it to the IRS in the mail. There’s also a tool on IRS.gov that walks you through the list of most common rejections on tax returns.

Not sure your return is accurate? At Jackson Hewitt, we offer a free Refund Recheck. If you filed with someone else but believe you’re owed more of a tax refund than you’re getting, your local Tax Pro can do a free re-check of your tax return to make sure you’re getting every dollar you deserve.   

If you don’t wat to slow down your tax refund, it’s best to make sure you file your most accurate return on time.

And remember, taxes can be difficult to understand, especially when your life can change (having a baby, moving, switching jobs, getting married, etc.) as often as the tax laws. So, never tax alone. We’re here all year and happy to help you.