Chart Shows When Will You Get Your 2016 Income Tax Refund

When will you get your income tax refund for tax returns you must file before April 18, 2016? If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are asking that question (or will be in the coming weeks), we have the answer. It depends on a couple of factors, but the good news is that there are several tools to help find out. (Note, the tax filing deadline this year is April 18 because April 15 falls on holiday in Washington D.C.)

First of all, taxpayers who use a professional, such as a CPA or EA, can ask that professional for an estimated date. Taxpayers who’ve already filed can also go to the Internal Revenue Service’s website, which has a tool designed specifically for that called, “Where’s My Refund?”

The tax agency will begin processing tax returns on January 19, 2016, for taxes paid/owed in 2015. In general, the IRS says that returns with refunds are processed and payments issued within 21 days. For paper filers, this can take much longer, however. The IRS and tax professionals strongly encourage electronic filing.