When you’ve filed your tax return with the IRS, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn you’re entitled to a refund. But how long will it take to receive your refund, and what determines that timeframe? You can learn everything about the timeframes for tax refunds in Texas and the rest of the United States below.
When Will I Receive My Tax Refund?
It can be a painful waiting game to receive a tax refund once you’ve filed your taxes with the IRS. While the IRS states that they typically issue most refunds within 21 calendar days, processing the return might take up to four weeks.
Fortunately, you have options if you’ve been relying on the money to cover other expenses. AmeriTax offers rapid reimbursement loans. These allow you to collect your funds far quicker, with the tax provider keeping your tax refund once the money arrives.
Why Does a Tax Refund Take Such a Long Time?
Waiting on money to arrive can be frustrating, especially when you have big plans for how you’ll spend it. If it has been more than 21 calendar days since you filed your tax return, you might be curious about what’s contributing to the delay and whether you’ll have to wait much longer.
Generally, some tax refunds can take longer to process than others for some of the following reasons:
- Your return was filed on paper
- Your return is incomplete
- Your return has errors
- Your return requires further review
- You have been affected by fraud or identity theft
- You’ve filed a claim for Earned Income Tax Credit
- You’ve filed a claim for Additional Child Tax Credit
- Your return includes the Injured Spouse Allocation Form 8379
Typically, the IRS lets you or your allocated tax provider know whether they require more information to process your return.
Can I Track My Refund?
It’s easy to feel like you’re in the dark while waiting for the IRS to provide you with a tax refund. However, you can track its status. Some of the best tax agents offer online tracking so that you can check the progress. The IRS also provides an option to check your refund’s status, to see whether it’s being processed or has been approved.
Why Am I Getting a Refund?
Alongside being curious about how long it will take for you to receive a tax refund, you might also be wondering why you’re eligible for one in the first place. Typically, taxpayers are entitled to tax refunds when they overpay their taxes during the year, and for some of the following reasons:
- You made an error filling out your Form W-4
- You intentionally filled out your Form W-4 to ensure a larger tax refund
- You’re self-employed or a freelancer who overestimated their quarterly estimated taxes
- You’re eligible for refundable tax credits
How Do I Receive My Tax Refund
Whether you or a tax agent filed your taxes, you can expect to receive your tax refund by direct deposit to your bank account as the listed taxpayer or by check delivered by the U.S. mail service. You might also choose to use your refund to purchase savings bonds.
In most cases, the fastest refund option is by direct deposit, which you can opt for when you file your tax return digitally. If you’re unsure how to file your taxes online, a tax service provider can assist with this process.
Get a Fast Tax Refund Today
Don’t wait any longer than you have to secure your tax refund. Contact AmeriTax today to file your taxes and take advantage of rapid reimbursement loans. The AmeriTax team can assist with a wide range of tax-related services, including tax preparation and consultation, back taxes, overdue taxes, and ITIN renewal.
