Updated for the 2020 Tax Year (2021 Tax Season)
One of the most pressing questions in the life of an early tax filer – when can I expect my tax refund to come? Before e-filing, this was always difficult to predict. First, you mail in your return. Then someone inputs all your information (and later, computers scanned in your information), then the Treasury had to issue a check, which was then mailed to you. Now, with a free IRS e-file, you can get your refund in as little as 8 days from when you file, if you elect for direct deposit.
For 9 out of 10 taxpayers, the IRS issued refunds in less than 21 days from the date the return was received last year.
The IRS just announced when they will open eFile for 2021: February 12, 2021. Yes... it's that late. This is the latest start date we've ever seen, but the IRS says it needs the time to program tax changes due to the last minute laws passes, as well as process stimulus checks.
However, many tax programs do allow you to file early - and some lucky filers even get accepted into test batches with the IRS.
If you're thinking of filing early, H&R Block is our top pick. They are consistently the best priced full service tax service both online and offline. Check out H&R Block Online here >>
2021 Tax Deadline: Monday, May 17, 2021. Note, this was extended. Read the IRS release here.
The IRS does not release a calendar, but continues to issue guidance that most filers should receive their refund within 21 days. They also remind filers that many tax software programs allow you to submit your taxes before the start of tax season. However, these software programs don't eFile until the IRS opens the system (with a few minor exceptions for testing).
Also, you are legally allowed to mail in your 2020 tax return starting on January 1, 2021. However, if you mail in your return, you can expect to add at least 12 weeks to your processing time (at the low end). Make sure you understand all the tax deadlines here.
We also have put together an IRS Where's My Refund FAQ and Questions for common issues people are seeing this year.
Coronavirus Pandemic Delays And Date Changes
Last year, we saw the tax deadline move to July, and saw a lot of delays due to the pandemic. We don't expect the tax deadline to move this year, but if anything changes, we will report it.
However, we do expect this pandemic to cause serious delays in processing returns (and getting help from the IRS). As IRS workers are quarantined or asked to work from home, it will cause delays for tax filers. Furthermore, with the latest round of stimulus checks going out in January, and programming needed for last minute tax changes passed in December, we do think the IRS is stretched to it's limits.
One of the biggest areas of delays are mail returns. In 2020, we saw mail held up for months, and we expect mail delays to continue. If possible, always eFile. Sending your return via mail will cause significant delays in processing.
If you've already filed your return, our assumption is there will be continued delays in processing times. If your return is under review or other information is needed, you may experience significant delays due to staffing.
Early Filers - You Will See A Delay In Your Refund
Beyond the delays, early filers typically see a delay anyway. However, this will likely not be as much of an issue this year due to the late start.
Congress passed a law that requires the IRS to HOLD all tax refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until February 15, 2021, regardless of how early the tax return was filed. So, if you file on the first day, you might still be waiting until February 15 for your refund.
The IRS typically provides updates with direct deposit dates, assuming there are no other problems with the tax returns. We expect the actual direct deposits to arrive the last week of February, similar to previous years.
The goal of this is to cut down on fraud and give the IRS time to ensure no duplicate returns are filed. The trouble is, the IRS will hold your entire tax refund, not just the EITC or ACTC part.
When you get your refund, don't let it go to waste! Make sure you put it in a high yield savings account ASAP!
Save Your Tax Return
If you're looking to get your tax return faster, check out GO2bank, which allows faster money deposits from the government - whether tax refunds or future stimulus checks. You can potentially receive your government payment several days earlier than you normally would. Open a GO2bank account here >>
While getting your tax return is exciting, consider saving it in one of these top accounts:
2021 IRS Refund Schedule Chart
Here is a chart of when you can expect your tax refund for when the return was accepted (based on e-Filing). This is an estimate based on past years trends, but based on early information, does seem accurate for about 90% of taxpayers. Also, as always, you can use the link after the calendar to get your specific refund status.
Now, when to expect my tax refund!
2021 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Feb 12 - Feb 13, 2021 | Feb 26, 2021 | Mar 5, 2021 |
Feb 14 - Feb 20, 2021 | Mar 5, 2021 | Mar 12, 2021 |
Feb 21 - Feb 27, 2021 | Mar 12, 2021 | Mar 19, 2021 |
Feb 28 - Mar 6, 2021 | Mar 19, 2021 | Mar 26, 2021 |
Mar 7 - Mar 13, 2021 | Mar 26, 2021 | Apr 2, 2021 |
Mar 14 - Mar 20, 2021 | Apr 2, 2021 | Apr 9, 2021 |
Mar 21 - Mar 27, 2021 | Apr 9, 2021 | Apr 16, 2021 |
Mar 28 - Apr 3, 2021 | Apr 16, 2021 | April 23, 2021 |
Apr 4 - Apr 10, 2021 | Apr 23, 2021 | Apr 30, 2021 |
Apr 11 - Apr 17, 2021 | Apr 30, 2021 | May 7, 2021 |
Apr 18 - Apr 24, 2021 | May 7, 2021 | May 14, 2021 |
Apr 25 - May 1, 2021 | May 14, 2021 | May 21, 2021 |
May 2 - May 8, 2021 | May 21, 2021 | May 28, 2021 |
May 9 - May 15, 2021 | May 28, 2021 | Jun 4, 2021 |
May 16 - May 22, 2021 | Jun 4, 2021 | Jun 11, 2021 |
May 23 - May 29, 2021 | Jun 11, 2021 | Jun 18, 2021 |
May 30 - Jun 5, 2021 | Jun 18, 2021 | Jun 25, 2021 |
Jun 6 - Jun 12, 2021 | Jun 25, 2021 | Jul 2, 2021 |
Jun 13 - Jun 19, 2021 | Jul 2, 2021 | Jul 9, 2021 |
Jun 20 - Jun 26, 2021 | Jul 9, 2021 | Jul 16, 2021 |
Jun 27 - Jul 3, 2021 | Jul 16, 2021 | Jul 23, 2021 |
Jul 4 - Jul 10, 2021 | Jul 23, 2021 | Jul 30, 2021 |
Jul 11 - Jul 17, 2021 | Jul 30, 2021 | Aug 6, 2021 |
Jul 18 - Jul 24, 2021 | Aug 6, 2021 | Aug 13, 2021 |
Jul 25 - Jul 31, 2021 | Aug 13, 2021 | Aug 20, 2021 |
If, for some reason, you didn’t receive your return in the time specified above, give or take a few days, you can always use the IRS’s tool called Get Refund Status. Since the link requires personal information, here is the non-html version: https://sa2.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp.
Once you enter all your information, it will tell you what is going on with your refund. Remember, if you input the wrong SSN, it could cause an IRS Error Code 9001, and might make your return be held for Identity Verification.
Also, many people are concerned because they received a Reference Code when checking WMR. Here is a complete list of IRS Reference Codes. Just match up the code with the one in the list, and see what the problem could be. As always, if you are concerned, you can call the IRS directly at (800) 829-1040.
Looking for an old IRS refund chart? We saved them for you below.
2020 IRS Refund Schedule
There's probably not much from 2020 you want to remember, but here's our tax refund schedule if you are still looking for it:
2020 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 27 - Feb 1, 2020 | Feb 14, 2020 | Feb 21, 2020 |
Feb 2 - Feb 8, 2020 | Feb 21, 2020 | Feb 28, 2020 |
Feb 9 - Feb 15, 2020 | Feb 28, 2020 | Mar 6, 2020 |
Feb 16 - Feb 22, 2020 | Mar 6, 2020 | Mar 13, 2020 |
Feb 23 - Feb 29, 2020 | Mar 13, 2020 | Mar 20, 2020 |
Mar 1 - Mar 7, 2020 | Mar 20, 2020 | Mar 27, 2020 |
Mar 8 - Mar 14, 2020 | Mar 27, 2020 | Apr 3, 2020 |
Mar 15 - Mar 21, 2020 | Apr 3, 2020 | Apr 10, 2020 |
Mar 22 - Mar 28, 2020 | Apr 10, 2020 | Apr 17, 2020 |
Mar 29 - Apr 4, 2020 | Apr 17, 2020 | April 24, 2020 |
Apr 5 - Apr 11, 2020 | April 24, 2020 | May 1, 2020 |
Apr 12 - Apr 18, 2020 | May 1, 2020 | May 8, 2020 |
Apr 19 - Apr 25, 2020 | May 8, 2020 | May 15, 2020 |
Apr 26 - May 2, 2020 | May 15, 2020 | May 22, 2020 |
May 3 - May 9, 2020 | May 22, 2020 | May 29, 2020 |
May 10- May 16, 2020 | May 29, 2020 | Jun 5, 2020 |
May 17 - May 23, 2020 | Jun 5, 2020 | Jun 12, 2020 |
May 24 - May 30, 2020 | Jun 12, 2020 | Jun 19, 2020 |
May 31 - Jun 6, 2020 | Jun 19, 2020 | Jun 26, 2020 |
Jun 7 - Jun 13, 2020 | Jun 26, 2020 | Jul 3, 2020 |
Jun 14 - Jun 20, 2020 | Jul 3, 2020 | Jul 10, 2020 |
Jun 21 - Jun 27, 2020 | Jul 10, 2020 | Jul 17, 2020 |
Jun 28 - Jul 4, 2020 | Jul 17, 2020 | Jul 24, 2020 |
Jul 5 - Jul 11, 2020 | Jul 24, 2020 | Jul 31, 2020 |
Jul 12 - Jul 18, 2020 | Jul 31, 2020 | Aug 7, 2020 |
Jul 19 - Jul 25, 2020 | Aug 7, 2020 | Aug 14, 2020 |
Jul 26 - Aug 1, 2020 | Aug 14, 2020 | Aug 21, 2020 |
2019 IRS Refund Schedule
Here's our 2019 refund schedule if you are still looking for it:
2019 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 28 - Feb 2, 2019 | Feb 15, 2019 | Feb 22, 2019 |
Feb 3 - Feb 9, 2019 | Feb 22, 2019 | Mar 1, 2019 |
Feb 10 - Feb 16, 2019 | Mar 1, 2019 | Mar 8, 2019 |
Feb 17 - Feb 23, 2019 | Mar 8, 2019 | Mar 15, 2019 |
Feb 24 - Mar 2, 2019 | Mar 15, 2019 | Mar 22, 2019 |
Mar 3 - Mar 9, 2019 | Mar 22, 2019 | Mar 29, 2019 |
Mar 10 - Mar 16, 2019 | Mar 29, 2019 | Apr 5, 2019 |
Mar 17 - Mar 23, 2019 | Apr 5, 2019 | Apr 12, 2019 |
Mar 24 - Mar 30, 2019 | Apr 12, 2019 | Apr 19, 2019 |
Mar 31 - Apr 6, 2019 | Apr 19, 2019 | April 26, 2019 |
Apr 7 - Apr 13, 2019 | April 26, 2019 | May 3, 2019 |
Apr 14 - Apr 20, 2019 | May 3, 2019 | May 10, 2019 |
Apr 21 - Apr 27, 2019 | May 10, 2019 | May 17, 2019 |
Apr 28 - May 4, 2019 | May 17, 2019 | May 24, 2019 |
2018 IRS Refund Schedule
Still looking for your 2018 refund chart? Here we saved it:
2018 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2018 | Feb 17, 2018 | Feb 24, 2018 |
Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2018 | Feb 24, 2018 | Mar 3, 2018 |
Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2018 | Mar 3, 2018 | Mar 10, 2018 |
Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2018 | Mar 10, 2018 | Mar 17, 2018 |
Feb 27 - Mar 4, 2018 | Mar 17, 2018 | Mar 24, 2018 |
Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2018 | Mar 24, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 |
Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2018 | Mar 31, 2018 | Apr 7, 2018 |
Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2018 | Apr 7, 2018 | Apr 14, 2018 |
Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2018 | Apr 14, 2018 | Apr 21, 2018 |
Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2018 | Apr 21, 2018 | April 28, 2018 |
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2018 | April 28, 2018 | May 5, 2018 |
Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2018 | May 5, 2018 | May 12, 2018 |
Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2018 | May 12, 2018 | May 19, 2018 |
2017 IRS Refund Schedule
Still looking for the chart from 2017. Don't worry, we saved it below. Remember, this is not an official chart published by the IRS, but a guideline we created based on the timing we've seen helping tax payers every year.
2017 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 23 - Jan 28, 2017 | Feb 10, 2017 | Feb 17, 2017 |
Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2017 | Feb 17, 2017 | Feb 24, 2017 |
Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2017 | Feb 24, 2017 | Mar 3, 2017 |
Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2017 | Mar 3, 2017 | Mar 10, 2017 |
Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2017 | Mar 10, 2017 | Mar 17, 2017 |
Feb 27 - Mar 4, 2017 | Mar 17, 2017 | Mar 24, 2017 |
Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2017 | Mar 24, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 |
Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2017 | Mar 31, 2017 | Apr 7, 2017 |
Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2017 | Apr 7, 2017 | Apr 14, 2017 |
Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2017 | Apr 14, 2017 | Apr 21, 2017 |
Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2017 | Apr 21, 2017 | April 28, 2017 |
Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2017 | April 28, 2017 | May 5, 2017 |
Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2017 | May 5, 2017 | May 12, 2017 |
Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2017 | May 12, 2017 | May 19, 2017 |
2016 IRS Refund Schedule
Still looking for the chart for 2016? Here you go. Remember, this is not an official chart provided by the IRS, but a guideline we created based on the timing we've seen.
2016 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 19 - Jan 23, 2016 | Feb 5, 2016 | Feb 10, 2016 |
Jan 24 - Jan 30, 2016 | Feb 12, 2016 | Feb 17, 2016 |
Jan 31 - Feb 6, 2016 | Feb 19, 2016 | Feb 24, 2016 |
Feb 7 - 13, 2016 | Feb 26, 2016 | Mar 2, 2016 |
Feb 14 - 20, 2016 | Mar 4, 2016 | Mar 9, 2016 |
Feb 21 - 27, 2016 | Mar 11, 2016 | Mar 16, 2016 |
Feb 28 - Mar 5, 2016 | Mar 18, 2016 | Mar 23, 2016 |
Mar 6 - 12, 2016 | Mar 25, 2016 | Mar 30, 2016 |
Mar 13 - 19, 2016 | Apr 1, 2016 | Apr 6, 2016 |
Mar 20 - 26, 2016 | Apr 8, 2016 | Apr 13, 2016 |
Mar 27 - Apr 2, 2016 | Apr 15, 2016 | Apr 20, 2016 |
Apr 3 - Apr 9, 2016 | Apr 22, 2016 | April 27, 2016 |
Apr 10 - Apr 16, 2016 | April 29, 2016 | May 4, 2016 |
Apr 17 - Apr 23, 2016 | May 6, 2016 | May 11, 2016 |
Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2016 | May 13, 2016 | May 18, 2016 |
2015 IRS Refund Schedule
Still looking for the chart from 2015? Here you go. Remember, this is not an official chart provided by the IRS, but a guideline we created based on timing we've seen.
2015 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Date Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 20 - Jan 24, 2015 | Feb 6, 2015 | Feb 9, 2015 |
Jan 25 - Jan 31, 2015 | Feb 13, 2015 | Feb 16, 2015 |
Feb 1 - Feb 7, 2015 | Feb 20, 2015 | Feb 23, 2015 |
Feb 8 - 14, 2015 | Feb 27, 2015 | Mar 2, 2015 |
Feb 15 - 21, 2015 | Mar 6, 2015 | Mar 13, 2015 |
Feb 22 - 28, 2015 | Mar 13, 2015 | Mar 20, 2015 |
Mar 1 - 7, 2015 | Mar 20, 2015 | Mar 27, 2015 |
Mar 8 - 14, 2015 | Mar 27, 2015 | Apr 3, 2015 |
Mar 15 - 21, 2015 | Apr 3, 2015 | Apr 10, 2015 |
Mar 22 - 28, 2015 | Apr 10, 2015 | Apr 17, 2015 |
Mar 29 - Apr 4, 2015 | Apr 17, 2015 | Apr 24, 2015 |
Apr 5 - Apr 11, 2015 | Apr 24, 2015 | May 1, 2015 |
Apr 12 - Apr 15, 2015 | May 1, 2015 | May 8, 2015 |
Apr 16 - Apr 25, 2015 | May 8, 2015 | May 15, 2015 |
Apr 26 - May 2, 2015 | May 15, 2015 | May 22, 2015 |
2014 IRS Refund Schedule
Still looking for 2014's chart? Well, here it is. Remember, the IRS replaced this chart with the standard "90% of filers should receive their refunds within 21 days". However, based on experiences talking to a lot of filers, this chart still was pretty accurate.
2014 IRS Tax Refund Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
Accepted Date | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
Jan 31 - Feb 3, 2014 | Feb 13, 2014 | Feb 21, 2014 |
Feb 4 - 10, 2014 | Feb 21, 2014 | Feb 24, 2014 |
Feb 11 - 17, 2014 | Feb 28, 2014 | Mar 3, 2014 |
Feb 18 - 24, 2014 | Mar 7, 2014 | Mar 10, 2014 |
Feb 25 - Mar 3, 2014 | Mar 14, 2014 | Mar 17, 2014 |
Mar 4 - 10, 2014 | Mar 21, 2014 | Mar 24, 2014 |
Mar 11 - 17, 2014 | Mar 28, 2014 | Mar 31, 2014 |
Mar 18 - 24, 2014 | Apr 4, 2014 | Apr 7, 2014 |
Mar 25 - 31, 2014 | Apr 11, 2014 | Apr 14, 2014 |
Apr 1 - 7, 2014 | Apr 18, 2014 | Apr 21, 2014 |
Apr 8 - 14, 2014 | Apr 25, 2014 | Apr 28, 2014 |
Apr 15 - 21, 2014 | May 2, 2014 | May 5, 2014 |
Apr 22 - 28, 2014 | May 9, 2014 | May 12, 2014 |
IRS Refund Status - How To Track Your Refund
The IRS has multiple ways that you can track your tax refund.
The main ways to track your refund are:
- IRS2GO App
- Check My Refund Status online
- By calling the IRS
Note: the old "Where's my Refund" site is now simply called Check My Refund Status on the IRS webpage. It's essentially the same tool.
First, it starts with your tax software, tax preparer, or your paper refund. Once you submit it, the IRS receives it. To confirm the IRS receives it, you'll see the "accepted" message in your tracking software.
All "your tax return was accepted" means that it passed a basic test of having a valid social security number and other data. It doesn't mean anything except that it's in the IRS queue for processing. Your 21 day average starts from this point in time. If you filed before the IRS started accepting eFile submissions, your 21 day processing time starts from the IRS start date.
At the 21 day mark, you should either see a message that says approved or take action. If you're approved, you should have a date and see your direct deposit in your account within a few days of that date (depending on your bank). If you see a take action message, you may be subject to a tax offset or other issue. Check out these common IRS issues.
Important Notice For Tax Time
Did you know that identity theft, especially around tax season, is running rampant? People's credit information was stolen at Target, Home Depot, even The State of California. Now's a great time to make sure that your credit is safe.
Credit Karma: Second, now is a great time to check your credit report and make sure that there are no issues. You should be checking your credit at least once per year, and tax time is a great time to do it. We recommend using Credit Karma because it’s free! Plus, Credit Karma has a lot of great tools to help you improve your credit if you need to, and they can help you monitor your credit over time.
Tax Refund FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions and FAQs around this tax refund calendar and tax refund schedule:
When can I expect my tax refund?
The IRS says that 90% of tax filers receive their refund within 21 days. We built our tax refund calendar around this guideline.
What if I filed EITC or ACTC?
If you have the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, your refund does not start processing until February 15. Your 21 day average starts from this point - so you can usually expect your tax refund the last week of February or first week of March.
How long does it take to process a return sent by mail?
If you mailed your tax return, allow twelve weeks for processing, then your 21 day period starts once your tax return is in the IRS system.
Are tax returns delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic?
Returns are potentially delayed due to Covid-19. If you eFiled and have no issues with your tax return, you shouldn't have any delays. However, if you file by mail, expect significant delays. Also, if there are any issues with your return, expect delays as well.
What if I get Tax Topic 152?
Tax Topic 152 simply means you're getting a refund! Sit back, relax, and wait for that direct deposit or check to come!
What if I get Tax Topic 151?
This means you have a tax offset. Some or all of your refund is being garnished. Read our full guide to this here.
Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future. You can learn more about him on the About Page, or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.
He regularly writes about investing, student loan debt, and general personal finance topics geared towards anyone wanting to earn more, get out of debt, and start building wealth for the future.
He has been quoted in major publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, Fox, ABC, NBC, and more. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.