Average Time for Tax Refunds in 2024 - Accepted to Deposit?

According to the IRS2Go app and the Where's My Refund tool, most people should receive their refunds within 21 days of e-filing. But I've been reading on r/tax that people are experiencing different timelines? Some getting it in a week while others waiting 6+ weeks? I'm so confused about what to expect... 😟 Has anyone found any reliable sources that track actual refund times vs what the IRS claims?

Time is of the essence here. Per IRS Publication 2043 (updated for 2024), standard processing times remain at 21 days, but several factors can extend this timeline. Did you claim EITC or ACTC? These trigger automatic review under PATH Act regulations. Check your transcript for TC 570/971 codes immediately. If present, expect additional 30-45 day delay. For educational funding planning, you should establish alternative financing options within the next 7-10 days if refund hasn't updated by then.

I've seen processing times all over the place this year compared to previous years. Some getting refunds in 8 days, others waiting 8+ weeks. When I needed to find out what was actually happening with mine, calling the IRS was impossible - tried for days. Finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) to get through to an agent in about 15 minutes. Found out my return was flagged for a simple verification that wouldn't have shown on WMR. Got it resolved on the call and had my refund a week later.

I am SO FRUSTRATED with how inconsistent the timing is! I filed on February 10th and just got my refund yesterday - that's 59 days! My boyfriend filed on March 1st and got his in 14 days. We both had simple returns with W-2 income only. The most maddening part was checking WMR every morning and seeing no progress for weeks, then suddenly it updated to approved and deposited within 48 hours. If you need the money for summer classes, I'd suggest making backup plans just to be safe.

Are we really still expecting the IRS to follow their own timelines in 2024? Haven't we learned by now? The real question is whether your return has any complexity at all. Did you claim any credits? Have multiple W-2s? Any investment income? Self-employment? If your answer is yes to any of these, expect 4-6 weeks minimum. Simple returns with single W-2s and standard deduction are moving faster, but even those are inconsistent. Your transcript showing processing is actually a good sign, but means you're still likely 7-14 days out from deposit.

My refund came through yesterday. Filed on March 1st. Got accepted same day. Waited 27 days total. No special credits. Just basic W-2 income. WMR never updated properly. Transcript showed processing the whole time. Then money just appeared in my account. No warning. Check your bank account daily. Don't rely on WMR. It's often behind. Hope this helps.