If you count yourself among the millions of Americans who file your federal taxes electronically using a software program or IRS E-File, then you are probably wondering when you will receive your federal tax refund. Thankfully, the IRS is one step ahead of you – they release an E-File schedule each year that lists when you will receive your tax refund.
Learn how military members can file taxes for free.
When you receive your refund depends on how and when you file.
IRS E-File Schedule for Check Refunds and Direct Deposits
The following table was released by the IRS (source) to help tax payers know when they should receive their tax refund. It works like this:
- Use the left hand column to look up the date your tax refund was accepted
- Use the middle or right column to look up when you should receive your refund (depending on how you requested your refund – direct deposit or paper check).
How to use this chart: If you filed your taxes with E-File, you should receive a confirmation that your tax return was accepted by the IRS. This date will go in the left column. If you didn’t file your taxes electronically, then this chart may not be useful for you for two reasons: you won’t have a confirmation date regarding when your tax return was accepted, and paper tax returns are manually entered by IRS employees, so the process takes longer.
You will also note that this chart covers dates beyond the traditional filing date. If you file after April 15, 2012, then you should file a tax extension request. It’s simple, and can potentially save you a lot of money in penalties. Note: Some military members may be eligible for additional tax deadline extensions if they were deployed or served overseas during the tax year.
| Tax Return Accepted By IRS before 11:00 am between… | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 17 and Jan 18, 2012 | Delayed 1-2 weeks* | Delayed 1-2 weeks* |
| Jan 19 and Jan 25, 2012 | Delayed 1-2 weeks* | Delayed 1-2 weeks* |
| Jan 26 and Feb 1, 2012 | Feb 8, 2012 | Feb 10, 2012 |
| Feb 2 and Feb 8, 2012 | Feb 15, 2012 | Feb 17, 2012 |
| Feb 9 and Feb 15, 2012 | Feb 22, 2012 | Feb 24, 2012 |
| Feb 16 and Feb 22, 2012 | Feb 29, 2012 | Mar 2, 2012 |
| Feb 23 and Feb 29, 2012 | Mar 7, 2012 | Mar 9, 2012 |
| Mar 1 and Mar 7, 2012 | Mar 14, 2012 | Mar 16, 2012 |
| Mar 8 and Mar 14, 2012 | Mar 21, 2012 | Mar 23, 2012 |
| Mar 15 and Mar 21, 2012 | Mar 28, 2012 | Mar 30, 2012 |
| Mar 22 and Mar 28, 2012 | Apr 4, 2012 | Apr 6, 2012 |
| Mar 29 and Apr 4, 2012 | Apr 11, 2012 | Apr 13, 2012 |
| Apr 5 and Apr 11, 2012 | Apr 18, 2012 | Apr 20, 2012 |
| Apr 12 and Apr 18, 2012 | Apr 25, 2012 | Apr 27, 2012 |
| Apr 19 and Apr 25, 2012 | May 2, 2012 | May 4, 2012 |
| Apr 26 and May 2, 2012 | May 9, 2012 | May 11, 2012 |
| May 3 and May 9, 2012 | May 16, 2012 | May 18, 2012 |
| May 10 and May 16, 2012 | May 23, 2012 | May 25, 2012 |
| May 17 and May 23, 2012 | May 30, 2012 | Jun 1, 2012 |
| May 24 and May 30, 2012 | Jun 6, 2012 | Jun 8, 2012 |
| May 31 and Jun 6, 2012 | Jun 13, 2012 | Jun 15, 2012 |
| Jun 7 and Jun 13, 2012 | Jun 20, 2012 | Jun 22, 2012 |
| Jun 14 and Jun 20, 2012 | Jun 27, 2012 | Jun 29, 2012 |
| Jun 21 and Jun 27, 2012 | Jul 4, 2012 | Jul 6, 2012 |
| Jun 28 and Jul 4, 2012 | Jul 11, 2012 | Jul 13, 2012 |
| Jul 5 and Jul 11, 2012 | Jul 18, 2012 | Jul 20, 2012 |
| Jul 12 and Jul 18, 2012 | Jul 25, 2012 | Jul 27, 2012 |
| Jul 19 and Jul 25, 2012 | Aug 1, 2012 | Aug 3, 2012 |
| Jul 26 and Aug 1, 2012 | Aug 8, 2012 | Aug 10, 2012 |
| Aug 2 and Aug 8, 2012 | Aug 15, 2012 | Aug 17, 2012 |
| Aug 9 and Aug 15 , 2012 | Aug 22, 2012 | Aug 24, 2012 |
| Aug 16 and Aug 22, 2012 | Aug 29, 2012 | Aug 31, 2012 |
| Aug 23 and Aug 29, 2012 | Sep 5, 2012 | Sep 7, 2012 |
| Aug 30 and Sep 5, 2012 | Sep 12, 2012 | Sep 14, 2012 |
| Sep 6 and Sep 12, 2012 | Sep 19, 2012 | Sep 21, 2012 |
| Sep 13 and Sep 19, 2012 | Sep 26, 2012 | Sep 28, 2012 |
| Sep 20 and Sep 26, 2012 | Oct 3, 2012 | Oct 5, 2012 |
| Sep 27 and Oct 3, 2012 | Oct 10, 2012 | Oct 12, 2012 |
| Oct 4 and Oct 10, 2012 | Oct 17, 2012 | Oct 19, 2012 |
| Oct 11 and Oct 17, 2012 | Oct 24, 2012 | Oct 26, 2012 |
*Please see note at end of article regarding tax refund delays.
Keep in mind it may take a few days for your financial institution to make your deposit available to you, or it may take several days for the check to arrive in the mail. Keep this in mind when planning to use your tax refund. The IRS states to allow for 5 additional days for the funds to become available to you. In almost all cases a direct deposit will get you your tax refund more quickly. Another interesting point is that the IRS published July 4th as an automatic deposit date, which is a national holiday. You may experience delays if your refund was scheduled to be deposited on that date.
Refund Schedule for Extensions and Amended Tax Returns
The refund schedule should be the same if you filed for a tax extension, however, there is no official schedule for tax refunds for amended tax returns. The above list only includes dates for e-filing an original tax return. Amended tax returns are processed manually, and often take 8-12 weeks to process. If you do not receive an amended tax return refund within 8 weeks after you file it, then you should contact the IRS to check on the status.
How to check the status of your tax return
You should be able to check the status of your tax refund roughly 72 hours after your receive confirmation form the IRS that they have received your tax refund via E-File. The best way to check the status of your federal tax refund is to visit the Where’s My Refund page at the IRS website, or, call 1-800-829-1954, or 1-800-829-4477, or 1-800-829-1040 and inquire about your tax return status with an IRS a customer service representative.
Get a Larger Tax Refund Next Year
If you want a bigger tax refund next year, then there are a few ways you can increase the amount of money the government will give you as a tax refund. One of the easiest ways is by opening a Traditional IRA, which allows you to deduct up to an additional $5,000 on your taxes each year (up to $6,000 if you are age 50 or older!). You can open an IRA in a variety of locations, including banks, brokerage firms, independent advisors, and more. If you are looking for a great place to compare different options, then I recommend visiting the Mint.com IRA Center, where you can compare various IRA options.
Update: IRS Announces Some Tax Refunds Will Be Late
The IRS recently upgraded their computer systems to prevent tax refund fraud. This only affects people who filed before January 26 of this year. Find out if your tax refund will be late.
Comments
i actually heard that for people who filed on the 1st and the 3 rdwere actually suppose to get theirs on 2/29. i hope it could be sooner. i also know that if you can order the transscpricts then you will recieve your refund in a couple of days after that let’s pray that we get it sooner
I filed my 2/2 and was accepted the same day and I got a dd couples of days of 2/27. Now some got theres today who had the same dd as me, so it depends when they sent it out and if its pending in your bank account. If we are getting it monday, they should have sent it out thursday or friday. Hope that helps.
Time frame can be anywhere from 12am to 6pm
My taxes were accepted feb 3 and 2 days ago I finally got a date for feb 27. This morning i checked my bank and it’s there. Everyone that filed around the first wk of feb should be on the short roads now. Good luck
Just checked WMR tool on the IRS website, it finally shows that I should have a direct deposit on the 2/29/12, this is different information that they have been providing…
Efiled the 3rd no dd on the 15th wmr says march 6th for ever..and FINALLY its says dd on febuary 29th …….finally good news…acorrding to a lot of people it’ll come on the 27th..so we will see..but its gonna come people..and then the wait will be OVER….
I filed on 02-03 accepted same day i filed at 7:02 AM my DD was supposed to be march 6 and change to feb 27 I guess tomorrow we will se keep me posted krissy i got bills that i am sweating right now
Very very excited about monday, cant wait to get my money.
Not that im using it for entertainment, just bills
DEDE if you get your refund let me know mine is scheduled or was for monday WMR is being glitchy again. I will do the same.
I e-filed on 2/16 my return was accepted on the same day WMR stated I should receive my refund my March 6th and now as of today WMR reads the following message
Your tax refund is scheduled to be direct deposited on February 29, 2012. If your refund is not credited to your account by March 5, 2012, check with your bank to find out if it has been received. Please wait until March 5, 2012 before you contact us again because we are unable to take any action until then.
I will post again when my return is actually in my bank account
Have a Nice Weekend
True I have got the same information my dd date is for feb29 so I’m hopeing it comes sooner than that. Cause for a long time it said no information my then iit wwent to march 6 now its back to saying no information but the hotline and the rep I talked to on friday said the 29 im hoping and praying that everybody gets theirs soon
Still… Nothing…
here is an update, i filed my taxes on 02-03-2012 accepted same day, so i check WMR daily for 2 weeks and shows nothing then on monday last week i called the IRS the lady (VERY NICE) said ohh we have it it is being processed no issues and you should recieve your DD within 10 – 21 days (the 24th). So on that tuesday strangely the WMR updated and said 03-06-2012 was my DD date. i was like this is ridiculas but at least i have a date. then on wednesday it was changed to 02-27-2012 this monday i was like WOW this is great i was thinking would get on friday but hey i can wait a couple more days. so Friday i checked the bank account and nothing (even though i know people got theres who filed same day) so i check WMR again now my taxes are being processed and expect refund 6 weeks from accepted date. EXCUSE ME if my refund is not in my bank on monday i am caslling again.
ANY one else experience the same problem??
I’ve researched and have wasted so much time!!! We have NO money, its ridiculous. We filed 2/16, got the date of 2/29, then 3/6, then, 3/13 then your request hasn’t been processed (get that @ least once a day). So I’m really hoping we get it by the end of the year!! I will keep updating.
well we had the same problem, but we filed on Feb 3rd, received the refund today. feb 29th
I’m still waiting….
the website is being real stupid again first i filed 1/30 and accepted 2/3 for along time i had no information then it gave me the date of 3/6 then i called friday they daid my deposit date is 2/29. Now the website is saying no information somebody please help ,me from going crazy cause i’m about to lose my mind if not have a serious PANIC ATTACK
I noticed that when you check the site too often it locks you out.
if you still need to check it call 18008291040. Put in the same information
you would on wmr
I will let you know if it comes, im on the same boat will. I couldnt pay rent in february and now i have both months rent by march 2nd, its a month to month lease so two days ago they gave me a 30 day notice unless i pay them on the 2nd. Im starting my new job on tuesday, so i REALLY need this money.
Just let you know, when you check wmr and your looking at your date if it says «by» march 6 then its still being processed, if it says «on» whatever your day is its done being processed and its on its way to your bank.
It actually gave me a sent on 02/27/2012 now that date is gone on wmr and says being processed. Wtf they tell you one thimg then cjange it I am mad I hope its in there tomorrow or I am *******.
Call 18008291040 and see what it says there
Put in the same information on there as you would on wmr
I did it gives me same info as wmr they even say it would. I filed on tje 3 what in same hell is going on
Dont check anymore until tonight, if it says the same thing check tomorrow morning, if it didnt change then, call the irs to see whats going on.
this is to phil if irs reverts back to saying 6 weeks it means usually that it is complete and deposited or about to be.
DD date has finally changed to March 1st and my taxes are done processing! Thank god!
I efiled the 3rd of feb at hr block..never got my dd on the 15…wmr didn’t say anything the feb 20th and it said march 6th.. then changed to the 29th of feb and today it says febuary 27th..so ill let everyone know if I get it tomorrow..
Chrissy:
Did you get your refund yet?
Great news, went to check my account and the money is in there. Its been a waiting game but everyone of you guys should get your money to either today or the next couple days, good luck to all.
I really like this article, it has been the most informative and thorough! Great job to the writer and I also like how supportive you all are of each other (commenters). I know we’re all in the same boat, people who need money to survive! Just be patient, I am sure the IRS is swamped (millions of people who all want to get their money back).
My story is, I first filed on Feb 5th. I did not add my student loans to the equation so I was only getting back $100 some dollars. After talking to some classmates they all said I would get more back if I add my student loans and sure enough I resubmitted a new 1040A form through TAXACT and said my return would be for $1379. I have been doing my own taxes since I was 16 and for the first few years my parents would claim my education expenses. Now that I’m 25, I just learned that I could claim it. So luckily, I checked where I first filed this year (through the IRS website at freefillableforms.com) and they rejected my first return so it was nice that I got rejected the first time so I filed again 2/18. My status went from no information to March 6th and now it says processed and should be sent/deposited on Feb 29th.
I hope that helps someone who may be in the same situation. From what I have read online, the IRS sends out the refunds in batches on either Tues/Wed to their bank and then it gets transferred to individual’s account later on in the week. My boyfriend got his return back on a Thursday so that makes sense. I think that’s why I have a date of 2/29: sent on a Wednesday and hopefully I will have mine by Thurs or Fri.
Ok…so I have some good news. I originally filed my return through Turbo Tax on 2/1/12. It was accepted by the IRS the same day. I was told that I should have my return by the 21st. It then changed to the 22nd, then the 23rd. I called the IRS, and they said it was being processed. The WMR website kept saying by the 22nd, but I never received anything. I checked today, and instead of saying I should receive my refund by the 22nd, it now says my DD is SCHEDULED TO BE DEPOSITED on 2/29/12!!! As a side note, when it says “BY”, it is still being processed. When it says “SCHEDULED ON”, it has been processed. I will let you all know if I get my money on Wed, and what time the deposit was made. I will be checking at 12:00 am, and again at 6:00 am. Hope this is helpful.
Is there a specific time frame they (IRS) make their deposits?
From what I have read, they make their deposits on the date it says, transferring it to your account will take another day or so.
Is it different via mail? I e-filed my return through turbo tax the 6th of February and about 3 days later(the 9th) it stated that my check is scheduled to be mailed on the February 27th. I did not do direct deposit(something I will be doing next year). So is the IRS sending my check to my house on the date of the 27th, or was it actually mailed this past Friday and I should receive it tomorrow or wednesday?
I think the check might have been mailed out already but if your status says will be mailed out, that’s when it will be mailed out.
It says now it was indeed mailed yesterday(the 27th of February). So I guess it’s just the waiting game for me now. I didn’t recieve it today so I’ll just hope for tomorrow. I live in the DC area also.
I know this is a late response, but if the IRS said that your check will be MAILED on the 27th, then that is the date that it will leave their office. You should then receive it within 2 to 5 business days depending on where you live in relation to the IRS office the check is being mailed from.
I did my return jan 16 got excepted on the 17 then they sent me a letter asking for more info i sent it in then they sent another letter saying they was reviewing my return and that it can take up to 45 days i got this letter feb 10 will it really take them 45 days to release my refund? i pray it don’t i have a lot of bills to pay and will they still send it direct deposit or will i get a check in the mail now? can anyone answer this for me am losing my mind….:(
Tonya:
It is not likely that it will take 45 days to process your return once they receive the additional information you sent in per their request. As far as the payment method, if you ORIGINALLY REQUESTED direct deposit, and submitted your banks routing number and account number, then YOU WILL STILL GET YOUR REFUND via DIRECT DEPOSIT. Otherwise, it will come as a paper check to the address they have on file for you. I hope this helps.
No I did not the night of the 26th it said the 27th..I woke up the 27th and it says the 29th..I called the irs today and they said 100% the 29th..so tomorrow morning ill let u guys know if I got it or not..but I’m sure I will..ill let y’all know for sure tho in the morning..
I hope u get it Chrissy!! , and Terrence! Ive been pushed back 3 times and now WMR can’t find “me”, I entered wrong info. So I feel for ya! Kerry
Good news everyone. Checked my account @6am. MONEY
WAS THERE!!! To ALL worried, THE MONEY IS ON THE WAY!!!
WMR last said DD was SCHEDULED TO BE DEPOSITED ON THE
29th, and bada boom, bada bing… It was!!!:-) HANG ON FOLKS.
thanks Terrance i hope and pray it wont take 45 days
I’m sure it won’t take 45 days. With the update in the IRS system, it has delayed the first round of filers. I’m sure by now, they have worked out the kinks, and should begin to start processing timely returns. My DD is scheduled for tomorrow, so I will keep you all posted. Don’t worry Tonya, it iwll arrive sooner than you think.
I received mine tonight!!! I efiled with HR Block on 2/3, and after all THAT trouble WMR said 2/29 and it was deposited around 6pm. Good luck everyone, thank you for all the helpful information.
That’s really good to hear!
Here’s what my status says: Refund Status Results
Your tax refund is scheduled to be direct deposited on February 29, 2012. If your refund is not credited to your account by March 5, 2012, check with your bank to find out if it has been received. Please wait until March 5, 2012 before you contact us again because we are unable to take any action until then.
Anyone in the same boat get theirs already?
I have been seeing that exact same message for the last week now. I was under the assumption that it was directed deposited between 12am-6am, but apparently it could happen around 6pm as well. Once the IRS website give you the actual date it will be dd, than its simply an annoying waiting game of when it will actually show up. An example is if it gets deposited after your bank checks for them like mine is 10am than I have to wait til the next day before I even see it. They can at least tell you if something is waiting to be processed though. I called mine and there is still nothing. My girlfriend got hers over a week ago and filed after me, but didnt get hers til around 6pm too. So it can literally happen whenever. You are in good shape though because you have a dd date and not a should be received date. let me know if you receive it soon… itll remind me to check mine again, lol… not that im not checking it 100 times a day right now, which is annoying the hell out of my girl…
Just received my refund minutes ago and it’s not even 2/29 yet.
Mine says the same thing June but no deposit yet. It may because I back with USAA and they are in the central time zone
I’m sure lots of them are being processed as we speak so you will get yours!
I’m in Central Time as well. I think it’s best to go to bed and be pleasantly surprised tomorrow instead of stressin’ it out tonight.
Any good news Terrance?
Good news everyone. Checked my account @6am. MONEY
WAS THERE!!! To ALL worried, THE MONEY IS ON THE WAY!!!
WMR last said DD was SCHEDULED TO BE DEPOSITED ON THE
29th, and bada boom, bada bing… It was!!!:-) HANG ON FOLKS.
FINALLY!!!
2/29 is my deposit date. I efiled on 2/6. Nothing posted yet. So annoying this happens. Hopefully I get I sometime today….. But usually my dd goes in at 12 :/
I feel your pain Ashley
So annoyed. My mom efiled like 5 days ago and got hers yesterday!
I think it was people that filed in the first week of Feb that had problems
Of course it has to be when I file! Lol keep me updated when you get yours! Good luck
I efiled on 2/16/12 at 8:35pm CST it was accepted an hour later
at first WMR stated I would receive my fund by March 6th
Then it said my DD date is Feb 29th
My funds are in my bank account and available for my use immediately
I have used Turbo Tax Deluxe (The Disk)) for 11 years and I have not had any problems or delays with my refund
I hope everyone receives their refund soon
Have a Great Day
is wmr gone give me a mail date after they get done reviewing my tax return ? or should i just keep checking my dd to see if it been deposited yet? right now the wmr just saying they dont have any info about my refund am real stressed out over this….
Tonya I’ve read some who e-filed in early feb will have their refunds by march 6th if you didn’t receive it by today. I e-filed feb 3 and i was so worried about checking my account this morning but I did and it’s finally there. Keep your fingers cross your money is COMING
I efiled on the third of February and they said the date is today. I checked my bank account and still no money. I hope it comes today I’m sick of waiting for money that’s already mine.
Mine was suppose to be deposited today too and still nothing. Hopefully by tonight.
I had efiled on 2/16 and was accepted at 932 am. doubled checked WMR today and it is still saying that I am scheduled to receive my dd today, 2/29. I bank with USAA. Now does anyone have an idea of when they think my money will be in my acct or if I should call my bank to see if they know anything further on my refund? thank you so much
You could get it at any time today so be patient. If you don’t receive it by tonight, I would call tomorrow.
I just got mine like an hour ago
I got mine at midnight….
My receive by date was yesterday, 2/28/12. I didnt receive anything. Now, WMR gives me no date and it just says, your refund is being processed. Anyone have this experience? I was accepted on 2/6/2012 and now I’m confused. Anyone know how to contact a live person over the phone? I only keep getting recordings/automated systems.
Did it say you Should receive it By?
Or did it say it’s Scheduled to be DD?
When it says by, it’s still processing and when it says Scheduled, then that’s when you’re gong to receive it.
“Your tax return has been received and is being processed.”
Thats all it says. There is nothing else on the WMR status. I can’t get a live person on the line so I am completely lost.
Ugh, its ridiculous. I filed 17th, got accepted the same day. First time I checked it said I’d have the money by Feb. 28th. I have things riding on this money and it’s really getting time sensitive.
On Feb. 28th, with my hopes very high, I received nothing. Checked the site and the date was pushed back to the 3rd of March. I’m feeling VERY “salty”(frustrated) right now and am tired of waiting for money that’s mine.
My last date received on website showed 02/29/12.Mine was accepted on 02/13/12 but the last week all it states we received your return and it is being processed.I was informed irs was having issues and it might take extra time but all the phone numbers I have are automated.
I’m in a similar situation. I don’t know what’s going on with my refund. I have no date listed and it’s been over 21 days for me. And I cant seem to get a live person.
Well its almost 1:30pm est and still no deposit =( They are sure quick to take money you owe them, but when it comes time to collecting what they owe you, they sure take their time.
100% Agreed. That’s the exact same thing I said to my friends.
I have phone number to talk to live person 1-800-829-0582 but first i called 1-800-829-4477 and it gave me that phone number for a rep and a ext u need to enter.I am hold waiting for someone now.
How did you get an ext? I can’t get an ext and I can’t seem to find a live person at any number?
I spoke with a person at IRS and was told computer system has glitches and to call back to check. no date shows on website for mine it says return is received and being processed mine was accepted 02/13/12 she advised me could take 3 weeks and they don’t show a date until its processed and at that time should be deposited in few days. Deposits could be any day of the week this year. I hope soon was originally expecting today.
Your expected refund date has been changed due to processing delays. You should receive your refund by March 13, 2012.
Please wait until that date to contact us again because we cannot take any action until then. Thank you for your patience.
That’s exactly what mine says. Filed on 2/16, accep, ted, 2/16, said we’d have it 2/29, 3/6, 3/13…..Ugh!
Filed on feb 3 and was told a fed refund in the amount of 6800$ and 230 am tttthere was 2200 in my acct. Does anyone know@if@ banks release partial direct deposits? Plz help I need the whole amount I’ve got 4 kids and bills up the ying yang