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Home » Taxes » Annual Tax Guide » When To Expect My Tax Refund? The IRS Tax Refund Calendar 2023

When To Expect My Tax Refund? The IRS Tax Refund Calendar 2023

Updated: March 15, 2023 By Robert Farrington

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Updated for the 2022-2023 Tax Season

IRS Tax Refund Schedule 2023

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. Skip right to the 2023 estimated tax refund calendar here >>

The IRS announced that it will start accepting eFile tax returns on January 23, 2023.

However, many tax programs do allow you to file early - and some lucky filers even get accepted into test batches with the IRS. 

2023 Tax Deadline: Tuesday, April 18, 2023. 

April 15 is a Saturday, and Monday April 17 is Emancipation Day, so the deadline gets moved to the next business day - Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

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 2022 tax return starting on January 1, 2023. 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.

Table of Contents
Early Filers - You Will See A Delay In Your Refund
2023 IRS Refund Schedule Chart
Prior Years' Tax Refund Calendars
IRS Refund Status - How To Track Your Refund
Important Notice For Tax Time
Tax Refund FAQ

Early Filers - You Will See A Delay In Your Refund

Early filers typically see a delay every year. We're hoping that this will likely not be as much of an issue this year due to minimal tax code changes, but we could see some curve balls.

Remember, 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, 2023, 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 first direct deposits to arrive the first 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. Plus, when you fund your new account with your tax refund, you'll be entered into a $50,000 sweepstakes. Open a GO2bank checking account here >>

Also, check out this list of banks that allow you to get your tax refund a few days early.

While getting your tax return is exciting, consider saving it in one of these top savings accounts.

Or, check out Discover Bank Savings, which currently is offering up to a $200 bonus if you open your first account by June 15, 2023 online, by phone, or in the Discover App using the code TCI223. You must apply by June 15, 2023, fund the account within 30 days of opening it, and complete the qualifying activities within 30 days of opening. Check out Discover Savings here >>

2023 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 past 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. 

When can you file your 2022 tax return in 2023? Anytime between January 23 and April 18, 2023.

Now, when to expect my tax refund based on when it's accepted! 

Note: The IRS sends direct deposits every business day during tax season. Our goal is to provide the end of the week in which you should hopefully receive your tax refund.

2023 IRS Tax Refund Calendar

More Information About The Tax Refund Calendar

Looking for a printable version of this tax refund schedule for 2023? Check out this link to DOWNLOAD THE PDF VERSION HERE.

Want an HTML version? See below:

2023 IRS Tax Refund Calendar

Date Accepted

Direct Deposit Sent

Paper Check Mailed

Jan 23 - Jan 28, 2023

Feb 17, 2023

Feb 24, 2023

Jan 29 - Feb 4, 2023

Feb 24, 2023

Mar 3, 2023

Feb 5 - Feb 11, 2023

Mar 3, 2023

Mar 10, 2023

Feb 12 - Feb 18, 2023

Mar 10, 2023

Mar 17, 2023

Feb 19 - Feb 25, 2023

Mar 17, 2023

Mar 24, 2023

Feb 26 - Mar 4, 2023

Mar 24, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Mar 5 - Mar 11, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Apr 7, 2023

Mar 12 - Mar 18, 2023

Apr 7, 2023

April 14, 2023

Mar 19 - Mar 25, 2023

Apr 14, 2023

Apr 21, 2023

Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2023

Apr 21, 2023

Apr 28, 2023

Apr 2 - Apr 8, 2023

Apr 28, 2023

May 5, 2023

Apr 9 - Apr 15, 2023

May 5, 2023

May 12, 2023

Apr 16 - Apr 22, 2023

May 12, 2023

May 19, 2023

Apr 23 - Apr 29, 2023

May 19, 2023

May 26, 2023

Apr 30 - May 6, 2023

May 26, 2023

Jun 2, 2023

May 7 - May 13, 2023

Jun 2, 2023

Jun 9, 2023

May 14 - May 20, 2023

Jun 9, 2023

Jun 16, 2023

May 21 - May 27, 2023

Jun 16, 2023

Jun 23, 2023

May 28 - Jun 3, 2023

Jun 23, 2023

Jun 30, 2023

Jun 4 - Jun 10, 2023

Jun 30, 2023

Jul 7, 2023

Jun 11 - Jun 17, 2023

Jul 7, 2023

Jul 14, 2023

Jun 18 - Jun 24, 2023

Jul 14, 2023

Jul 21, 2023

Jun 25 - Jul 1, 2023

Jul 21, 2023

Jul 28, 2023

Jul 2 - Jul 8, 2023

Jul 28, 2023

Aug 4, 2023

Jul 9 - Jul 15, 2023

Aug 4, 2023

Aug 11, 2023

Jul 16 - Jul 22, 2023

Aug 11, 2023

Aug 18, 2023

Jul 23 - Jul 29, 2023

Aug 18, 2023

Aug 25, 2023

Jul 30 - Aug 5, 2023

Aug 25, 2023

Sep 1, 2023

What If You File A Tax Extension In 2023?

If you file a tax extension in 2023, you can extend your tax deadline until October 16, 2023. Remember, if you choose to file an extension, you are still required to pay any taxes you may owe by the April deadline. If you are expecting a tax refund, that doesn't really matter - but you still need to file to claim your refund.

Here's a modified tax refund calendar specifically for those who filed a tax extension. We didn't want to clutter the above chart given the dates for filing an extension are typically 6 months later. However, the rule of 21 days on average still applies if you file a tax extension and claim your refund later.

2023 IRS Tax Extension Refund Calendar

Date Accepted

Direct Deposit Sent

Paper Check Mailed

Aug 6 - Aug 12, 2023

Sep 1, 2023

Sep 8, 2023

Aug 13 - Aug 19, 2023

Sep 8, 2023

Sep 15, 2023

Aug 20 - Aug 26, 2023

Sep 15, 2023

Sep 22, 2023

Aug 27 - Sep 2, 2023

Sep 22, 2023

Sep 29, 2023

Sep 3 - Sep 9, 2023

Sep 29, 2023

Oct 6, 2023

Sep 10 - Sep 16, 2023

Oct 6, 2023

Oct 13, 2023

Sep 17 - Sep 23, 2023

Oct 13, 2023

Oct 20, 2023

Sep 24 - Sep 30, 2023

Oct 20, 2023

Oct 27, 2023

Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2023

Oct 27, 2023

Nov 3, 2023

Oct 8 - Oct 14, 2023

Nov 3, 2023

Nov 10, 2023

Oct 15 - Oct 21, 2023

Nov 10, 2023

Nov 17, 2023

Oct 22 - Oct 28, 2023

Nov 17, 2023

Nov 24, 2023

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.

Find Your State Tax Refund Too!

If you are waiting on your state tax refund, you can also check the status of that. We have our full guide to Tracking And Finding Your State Tax Refund here >>

Prior Years' Tax Refund Calendars

Looking for an old IRS refund chart? We saved them for you below.

2022 IRS Refund Schedule

Here is the 2022 IRS refund chart if you're still wanting to remember what happened last year.

2022 IRS Tax Refund Calendar

Date Accepted

Direct Deposit Sent

Paper Check Mailed

Jan 24 - Jan 29, 2022

Feb 18, 2022

Feb 25, 2022

Jan 30 - Feb 5, 2022

Feb 25, 2022

Mar 4, 2022

Feb 6 - Feb 12, 2022

Mar 4, 2022

Mar 11, 2022

Feb 13 - Feb 19, 2022

Mar 11, 2022

Mar 18, 2022

Feb 20 - Feb 26, 2022

Mar 18, 2022

Mar 25, 2022

Feb 27 - Mar 5, 2022

Mar 25, 2022

Apr 1, 2022

Mar 6 - Mar 12, 2022

Apr 1, 2022

Apr 8, 2022

Mar 13 - Mar 19, 2022

Apr 8, 2022

April 15, 2022

Mar 20 - Mar 26, 2022

Apr 15, 2022

Apr 22, 2022

Mar 27 - Apr 2, 2022

Apr 22, 2022

Apr 29, 2022

Apr 3 - Apr 9, 2022

Apr 29, 2022

May 6, 2022

Apr 10 - Apr 16, 2022

May 6, 2022

May 13, 2022

Apr 17 - Apr 23, 2022

May 13, 2022

May 20, 2022

Apr 24 - Apr 30, 2022

May 20, 2022

May 27, 2022

May 1 - May 7, 2022

May 27, 2022

Jun 3, 2022

May 8 - May 14, 2022

Jun 3, 2022

Jun 10, 2022

May 15 - May 21, 2022

Jun 10, 2022

Jun 17, 2022

May 22 - May 28, 2022

Jun 17, 2022

Jun 24, 2022

May 29 - Jun 4, 2022

Jun 24, 2022

Jul 1, 2022

Jun 5 - Jun 11, 2022

Jul 1, 2022

Jul 8, 2022

Jun 12 - Jun 18, 2022

Jul 8, 2022

Jul 15, 2022

Jun 19 - Jun 25, 2022

Jul 15, 2022

Jul 22, 2022

Jun 26 - Jul 2, 2022

Jul 22, 2022

Jul 29, 2022

Jul 3 - Jul 9, 2022

Jul 29, 2022

Aug 5, 2022

Jul 10 - Jul 16, 2022

Aug 5, 2022

Aug 12, 2022

Jul 17 - Jul 23, 2022

Aug 12, 2022

Aug 19, 2022

Jul 24 - Jul 30, 2022

Aug 19, 2022

Aug 26, 2022

Jul 31 - Aug 6, 2022

Aug 26, 2022

Sep 2, 2022

2021 IRS Refund Schedule

There's probably not much from 2021 you want to remember, but here's our tax refund schedule if you are still looking for it.

Coronavirus Pandemic Delays And Date Changes

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.

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

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 is the 2019 IRS refund calendar if you're 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

Here is the 2018 tax refund calendar.

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 2017 tax refund calendar? We saved it for you here:

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

Here is the 2016 tax refund calendar:

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

Here is the 2015 tax refund calendar:

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

Here is the 2014 tax refund calendar:

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.

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.

One of the best ways we keep track of what's happening with tax refunds during tax season is your comments and feedback. Please drop a comment below and share your refund dates so others can know!

Robert Farrington
Robert Farrington

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.

Editor: Claire Tak Reviewed by: Clint Proctor

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, or other advertiser and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comment Policy: We invite readers to respond with questions or comments. Comments may be held for moderation and are subject to approval. Comments are solely the opinions of their authors'. The responses in the comments below are not provided or commissioned by any advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any company. It is not anyone's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
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