IRS refund schedule 2018

 

One of the most frequently asked questions during the tax season to a tax preparer is ‘ when will I receive a tax refund check’. While the processing times may vary, IRS has issued general guidelines on refunds. It is usually 21 days from the date it is received. For simpler returns, the processing times may be faster.

For 2018, tax year the IRS has started accepting tax returns effective January 29,2018.

Below is a rough estimate of processing times of mail & electronic tax returns based on past year trends.

 

Date Accepted	Direct Deposit Sent	Paper Check Mailed
Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2018	Feb 17-18, 2018	Feb 24-25, 2018
Feb 5 – Feb 11, 2018	Feb 24-25, 2018	Mar 3-4, 2018
Feb 12 – Feb 18, 2018	Mar 3-4, 2018	Mar 10-11, 2018
Feb 19 – Feb 25, 2018	Mar 10-11, 2018	Mar 17-18, 2018
Feb 27 – Mar 4, 2018	Mar 17-18, 2018	Mar 24-25, 2018
Mar 5 – Mar 11, 2018	Mar 24-25, 2018	Mar 31-32, 2018
Mar 12 – Mar 18, 2018	Mar 31-32, 2018	Apr 7-8, 2018
Mar 19 – Mar 25, 2018	Apr 7-8, 2018	Apr 14-15, 2018
Mar 26 – Apr 1, 2018	Apr 14-15, 2018	Apr 21-22, 2018
Apr 2 – Apr 8, 2018	Apr 21-22, 2018	April 28-29, 2018
Apr 9 – Apr 15, 2018	April 28-29, 2018	May 5-6, 2018
Apr 16 – Apr 22, 2018	May 5-6, 2018	May 12-13, 2018
Apr 23 – Apr 29, 2018	May 12-13, 2018	May 19-20, 2018

 

*** This table is based on past trends & general guidelines. This has not been issued by IRS & cannot be relied upon for exact timelines for refunds.