After You File

How to Get Your Tax Refund Faster

Waiting for a tax refund can be stressful, especially if you're counting on that money. While you can't control everything, you can make choices that usually speed things up.

🚀 The Fastest Combination: The fastest combination for most people is: file electronically + choose direct deposit + file an accurate return early.

File electronically instead of by mail

Electronic filing (e-file) is almost always faster than mailing a paper return. When you e-file:

⚡Your return is received instantly instead of waiting in the mail

✓Basic errors are often caught by the software

🚀The IRS can start processing your return much sooner, which often means faster refunds

📖 For more details, see: Should I File Electronically or by Mail?

Choose direct deposit for your refund

Direct deposit into your bank account is typically much faster than waiting for a paper check. To use it, you'll need:

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Routing Number

Your bank's routing number

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Account Number

Your bank account number

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Account Type

Checking or savings

⚠️ Important: Double-check these numbers carefully. Incorrect banking information can cause delays or require the IRS to issue a paper check instead.

File a complete and accurate return

Refunds are often delayed because something on the return doesn't match IRS records or is incomplete. To avoid slowdowns:

📄Wait until you have all W-2 and 1099 forms before filing

🆔Make sure names and Social Security numbers are correct and match official records

💰Report all required income, even if some forms arrive later or are small amounts

✓Double-check any credits you claim for dependents, education, or childcare

🎯 Result: A clean, accurate return is more likely to move through the system without extra review.

File earlier in the season (but not rushed)

The IRS typically opens filing season sometime in January. Filing earlier in the season can help you:

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Beat the Rush

Get in the processing queue before peak volume hits

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Avoid Bottlenecks

Reduce risk of delays caused by bottlenecks later in the season

⚖️ Balance: Just balance "early" with "complete." Filing too early before all your forms arrive can cause corrections and delays later.

Use "Where's My Refund?" instead of calling

Once you've filed, constantly calling the IRS usually doesn't speed anything up. Instead, use the official refund tracking tools when available. They typically show:

1️⃣Whether your return was received

2️⃣Whether it's still being processed

3️⃣Whether a refund has been approved and issued

💡 When to dig deeper: If the tool indicates a problem or unusually long delay, then it may be time to look deeper or contact a professional for help.

Long term: adjust withholding so refunds are more predictable

If you consistently get a large refund every year, that means you paid more tax during the year than you needed to. Some people like this as a form of forced savings; others prefer to adjust their withholding and get more in each paycheck instead.

Either way, if timing and predictability matter to you, you can:

📝Review and update your W-4 with your employer

🔄Check how life changes (marriage, kids, side income) affect your withholding

🎯 Goal: Getting your tax situation closer to "just right" can make refunds smoother and less stressful in future years.

Estimate your refund amount

Use our refund estimator to see how much you might get back.

Calculate Your Refund→