How do I receive my tax refund?

You can receive your tax refund via direct deposit or as a paper check by mail. The availability of these options depend on whether you are filing a current year tax return, a prior-year tax return (within the time limit to claim a refund*), or an amended return.

When filing a current year tax return (and/or the two prior tax years using our website), you have the option to electronically file your return. You can enter valid bank information such as your routing and account number to receive your refund via direct deposit. Typically, once your tax return is accepted by the IRS through e-file, you should expect your refund within three weeks. This timeframe can vary for prior-year, e-filed returns.

If you are filing a prior-year tax return (that can no longer be e-filed), you are required to paper-file. This means, you must print, sign and mail your return to the IRS and/or state. Taxpayers who file a paper return can also choose direct deposit, but it will take longer to process the return and get a refund. After the IRS receives your paper return, the estimated time frame to receive your refund is six to eight weeks.*

If you amend a return for tax years 2021 and later, you can request your refund by direct deposit (if supported by a tax software). Otherwise, you will receive a paper check for your amendment refund.

Please check with your state’s Department of Revenue for information on available refund options.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 2nd, 2020 at 7:28 pm and is filed under Late Tax Filing FAQ, Preparing a State Return, Tax Related Questions, Using Priortax. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.