Just filed my 2023 tax return - do I have to wait until December to get my refund?

No, you don't need to wait until the end of the year. The IRS standard processing time is still 21 days for electronic returns, even if you file late. That's just the estimated timeframe - some people get their refunds faster, others might wait longer. Since you just filed last week, I'd recommend checking the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website after about 72 hours (for e-filed returns). It should tell you when your return was received, when the refund is approved, and when it's sent. If you filed by paper, the wait time is much longer - could be several months. But electronic filing should still follow the normal timeframe, assuming there are no issues with your return that require additional review.

Just wanted to share that I was in the exact same boat as you last year. Filed late and was worried I wouldn't see my money for ages. I ended up using taxr.ai to make sense of my tax transcript after I filed - it basically translated all the IRS codes and told me exactly where my return was in the process and when I could expect my refund. Saved me SO much anxiety and guesswork. Highly recommend checking it out (https://taxr.ai) if you want clarity on your refund timeline!

After waiting 2 months with zero updates on my refund status, I finally got tired of calling the IRS only to get the dreaded "call volume too high" message. Used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual human at the IRS and got my issues resolved in one call. The agent explained there was a small error that had held up my return, fixed it while I was on the phone, and my refund was released a week later. Talking to an agent got my refund released so fast - wish I'd done it months earlier!

I filed in July and got my refund in 17 days. You're fine. Don't listen to your friends lol

If you filed electronically with direct deposit selected, you should get it within a few weeks. If you filed by paper or requested a paper check... well... maybe by Christmas if you're lucky 😂

As someone who works in tax prep, I can tell you it doesn't matter WHEN you file as long as you're before the deadline (or have filed an extension like you did). The 21 day processing is still applicable. What DOES matter is if there are any issues with your return - incorrect info, missing forms, credits that need additional verification, etc. Those are what cause delays, not the timing of when you filed.

You should have filed months ago! I filed febuary 2nd and had my $$ by valentines day 💰💰

Check out the IRS2Go app too. It's the official IRS app and you can track your refund status there. I prefer it over the website version of Where's My Refund personally

I filed october last year and still got my refund before thanksgiving. Youll be fine

FYI if you claimed certain credits like Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, there might be additional delays even with electronic filing. The IRS is required by law to hold those refunds until mid-February (for the previous year's returns). That doesn't apply to you now since we're past February, but just mentioning it for others reading this thread.

I'm in the EXACT same situation as you right now! Filed last Monday and anxiously checking the IRS website every day. Let me know when you get yours and I'll do the same!

I've been trying to make sense of the Where's My Refund tool for weeks with no luck. Finally broke down and tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here. Holy crap it's amazing! It basically translated my transcript into plain English and showed me exactly why my refund was delayed (address verification issue) and what to expect next. Never would have figured that out on my own. Here's the link if anyone needs it: https://taxr.ai

If ur expecting a big refund u might get selected for review. I was supposed to get $4350 back and they held mine for "verification" for 4 months! Finally called them using claimyr.com (only way I could get thru) and magically my refund was processed the next day. The system is rigged I swear

i waited 8 months for my refund last yr. IRS is a joke.

Set up an account on irs.gov and access your tax transcript. It will show you what's going on behind the scenes with your return processing. Way more detailed than the Where's My Refund tool. You'll be able to see if there are any issues or just regular processing.

Don't count on that money anytime soon. Set your expectations low and you won't be disappointed. The IRS is still catching up from pandemic backlogs.

21 days is just a guideline. My sister filed in April and still hasn't gotten hers. My brother filed in June and got his in 10 days. There's like zero rhyme or reason to it sometimes 🤷‍♀️

If you need the money urgently, there are tax refund advance loans available. But they usually charge fees so I'd only recommend as a last resort.

Pro tip: If you end up needing to call the IRS (which you probably will if your refund gets delayed), use Claimyr. I spent LITERAL WEEKS trying to get through to the IRS myself. Used Claimyr and had an agent on the phone within an hour. Best decision ever. claimyr.com