The IRS generally takes up to 21 days to accept and process an electronically filed (e-filed) tax return. You can typically receive confirmation of acceptance within 24 to 48 hours after e-filing
. Once accepted, most refunds are issued within 21 days, especially if you choose direct deposit
. For paper-filed returns, processing takes significantly longer-usually about 6 to 8 weeks or more-due to manual handling and verification
. Paper returns with errors or special handling needs may take even longer.
Summary of IRS processing times:
- E-filed returns:
- Acceptance notification: 24–48 hours after submission
- Processing and refund issuance: typically within 21 days after acceptance
- Paper-filed returns:
- Processing time: about 6 to 8 weeks or longer
- Refund issuance: after processing completion
Choosing direct deposit speeds up refund receipt compared to mailed checks
. You can check your refund status starting 24 hours after e-filing or about 4 weeks after mailing a paper return using the IRS "Where’s My Refund?" tool
. In short, the IRS usually accepts e-filed returns within 1–2 days and processes refunds within about 3 weeks, while paper returns take much longer to be accepted and processed.
