When does the IRS process tax returns? Form 1040

The tax season runs from late-January to April 15. Between these times, you must file a tax return unless an extension is filed. Once you submit a tax return to the IRS, you will wait for the agency to process it. The IRS will take a look at your documents and verify it with the supporting documents. If there are any technical errors, you will need to file an amended tax return to correct the mistakes. Because of this, we suggest reviewing your tax return multiple times. If you’re filing electronically, the tax software you’re using will point out the errors.

Once a tax return is submitted to the IRS, you will wait approximately about two to four weeks for your return to be processed by the IRS. After this is done, you will either get your tax refund or make up the difference owed to the IRS. You can see whether or not you will owe to the IRS on your tax return.

Tracking Tax Refund and Paying Online

If you end up owing to the IRS, you can pay via IRS Direct Pay or track the status of your tax refund using Where’s My Refund tool. Keep in mind that you must wait for the IRS to receive your return and approve your tax refund. Sometimes, additional documents may be requested by the IRS to support income, deductions, and credits.

A great way to understand when the IRS is likely to process a tax refund is its complexity. If your tax return is simple and contains income from a W-2 and the standard deduction, your return is likely to be processed within two weeks.

Also, how you file taxes matters as well. It is a well-known fact that electronically filed tax returns take significantly less time than paper returns. Perhaps, this is the biggest reason why you should file taxes electronically. Learn more about filing taxes electronically and the price you might pay for filing.