How to get your tax refund early

This content is for general educational purposes and is not intended as financial, legal, investment, or tax advice and should not be relied on as such. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information found in this post.

Summary

• If you can, file early, use an electronic filing method, and choose direct deposit. That’s the fastest path to your refund, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

• Double-check your name, Social Security number, and bank routing number (for your direct deposit). Small mistakes can slow your refund.

• If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the Internal Revenue Service won’t release your refund before mid-February by law.

• Track your status with the Internal Revenue Service Where’s My Refund? tool. It typically updates once a day.

For many filers, tax season brings one big question: how soon will my refund arrive? The journey from tax filing to seeing that refund hit a bank account doesn’t always feel straightforward. You want your money fast and you want to feel in control, especially when that cash plays a role in budgeting for upcoming expenses. How long it takes to get your tax refund can vary, but there are a few things you can do to help make sure it’s processed as quickly as possible.

What is a tax refund?

A tax refund is money the government sends you when you’ve paid more in state or federal income taxes than you owe for the year. This can happen through paycheck withholding—money your employer deducts from each paycheck for taxes—or through estimated tax payments you make during the year. If you overpay, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which is the federal tax agency, refunds the extra amount to you.

The fastest ways to get your refund

File early and use electronic filing

These days, most people file their taxes electronically because it’s faster and more convenient. E-filing sends your return directly to the IRS online.

Filing electronically can avoid mail delays and reduce data entry errors. The IRS says e-file paired with direct deposit leads to refunds in less than 21 days for most people. 

Choose direct deposit

Direct deposit is an electronic transfer that moves money, in this case your refund, straight to your account instead of making you wait on a paper check to arrive in the mail. The Internal Revenue Service calls it the fastest and safest way to receive your money. You can send your federal or state tax refund to a checking account, a savings account, or a personal finance app that provides account and routing numbers for direct deposit.

Enter your bank details carefully

While your account number identifies your personal account, a routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. So when you’re entering your bank details while filing, make sure you’re entering the correct numbers. For instance, don’t enter your debit card number because it’s different from your account number. Make sure the name on the tax return matches the name on the account, and check every digit to avoid delays or returned deposits.

Avoid common tax filing mistakes

Errors while filing your taxes can slow your refund. When you file, make sure your name and Social Security number match your Social Security card, and that your address is up to date. Use every tax form you received, like a W-2 (your Wage and Tax Statement from your employer) and any 1099 forms if you have (which reports other income). If the IRS issued you an Identity Protection PIN—a six-digit code that helps prevent identity theft—be sure to enter it on your return.

Know what can delay refunds if you claim certain credits

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) aim to help qualifying workers and families with lower incomes. If you claim either credit, your refund may take longer to process because the IRS follows special timing rules for these payments.

Federal law says the Internal Revenue Service can’t issue these refunds before mid-February. The delay applies to the whole refund, not just the part from those credits. You’ll see updates in the Where’s My Refund? tool as the date gets closer.

Take out a refund advance loan

A refund advance loan (RAL), sometimes called a tax advance, is a short-term loan based on your expected tax refund. It isn’t money from the Internal Revenue Service. Instead, a company gives you cash up front and takes repayment from your refund later. You get money sooner, but there are some risks.

Here’s how it works: You apply through a tax preparer or a lender that partners with tax software. The lender may run a soft credit check, which reviews your credit without hurting your credit score, or a hard credit check, which can affect your credit score for a short time. If you’re approved, funds are deposited into your bank account or you receive a check or a prepaid card (similar to a debit card) in the mail. 

But there are a few things to know and watch out for. Check all the fine print. Some offers charge interest or an origination fee, which is a one-time fee to set up the loan. Others advertise no interest, but they may charge fees for filing, check cashing, or a prepaid debit card. Ask for the annual percentage rate, called APR, which shows the full yearly cost of the loan amount. 

Also, keep in mind, If your refund is smaller than expected or gets delayed, you still owe the lender the amount they provided you upfront, regardless of the final amount of your tax return. 

Think about timing. A loan doesn’t speed up the IRS. If the IRS needs more time, the lender still expects payment. 

Track your refund

Where’s My Refund? is the IRS’s online status tool. It usually shows updates for an electronic return within 24 hours and for a paper return in about four weeks. It also updates once a day, usually overnight. You can also use IRS2Go, which is the Internal Revenue Service’s mobile app.

Avoid delays with this checklist

• You file early and e-file.

• Your name, address, and Social Security number match your tax documents.

• You inputted information from every W-2 and 1099 you received.

• You entered your IP PIN if the IRS gave you one.

• You keep copies of your return and tax forms (this will help you file next year).

• You respond quickly if the Internal Revenue Service contacts you.