How To Get a Faster Tax Refund
In this article: Five simple steps to help ensure you get your refund as quickly as possible.
If you overpaid on your income taxes this past year, you probably want your money back sooner rather than later. Here are a few things you can do to get your tax refund faster.
If you overpaid on your income taxes this past year, you probably want your money back sooner rather than later. Here are five things you can do to get your tax refund faster.
File Early
The first thing you should bear in mind is to file early and beat the tax crowd, so to speak. The longer you wait to file, the more returns the IRS receives, and the longer you’ll wait to get your refund.
File Electronically
By filing your tax return electronically, you cut out the time it takes for your return to make its way through the postal system and then be opened for processing.
There are several ways you can file electronically. People whose adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less annually can use the IRS free file software available online. You may also qualify for free filing through a commercial online tax preparation service like Turbo Tax.
Filing your taxes online is much safer than it once was, perhaps even safer than sending a paper return containing your social security number through the mail. Most online services have very easy-to-use interfaces, and you can request help, usually for a fee, if you need it. Some commercial preparation services, such as H&R Block, also have brick-and-mortar locations you can visit to have a tax professional file your return electronically for you.
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Use Direct Deposit
According to the IRS, the fastest way to get your tax refund is to have it directly deposited. Tracie L. Miller-Nobles, CPA, said, “It gets the money into your account faster and you don’t have to worry about the post office losing the check.”
When you file your electronic return, you will enter information for the account in which you want your refund deposited.
Make Sure Your Tax Form Info Is Correct
Although this seems like simple logic, incorrect information is often responsible for delayed tax refunds.
Take time to review little details like your name, social security number, bank routing number, etc. If you recently got married or divorced or had any reason to change your name, double-check that your current name is updated during your filing.
Check the Status of Your Tax Refund
You can check the status of your tax refund by downloading the IRS2GO app at IRS.gov/refunds to your mobile device. You can also check it on the IRS website.
To check the status of your refund, you need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund shown on your return.
Reviewed February 2024
