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As soon as you hit the submit button on your taxes, do you instantly start wondering, “When can I expect my tax refund?”
The majority of people hate doing taxes. Taxes are complicated, time-consuming and expensive.
But if you think you’re entitled to a tax refund, that can make tax time a little less, well, taxing.
The deadline for getting your tax return for 2021 filed is April 18th, 2022, which is a Monday.
The change is due to Emancipation Day (April 16) being on a Saturday. That means that government offices in DC will be closed on Friday, April 15, 2022.
Note that new tax laws may change how you do your taxes, so it’s important to get started early enough to take those changes into account.
Here’s everything you need to know about when you can expect your tax refund and how to spend your refund money wisely.
When Can I Expect My Tax Refund?
The IRS’s official answer is that you can expect your refund in fewer than 21 calendar days. However, be aware that the 21 day countdown starts once your tax return has been approved.
The IRS does not release any formal calendar, but this year, it began taking tax returns on January 24, 2022.
If you want to use the IRS’s free E-file system, you can start submitting your return on January 14, 2022.
While there is no formal calendar released by the IRS, here is an estimate on when you can expect to receive your tax refund.
This tax refund calendar is based on the 21 days estimated payment cycle.
IRS Refund Schedule Chart (Estimated)
| Tax Return Accepted | Direct Deposit Sent | Paper Check Mailed |
| Jan 24 – Jan 30, 2022 | Feb 14, 2022 | Feb 17, 2022 |
| Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2022 | Feb 21, 2022 | Feb 24, 2022 |
| Feb 7 – Feb 13, 2022 | Feb 28, 2022 | Mar 3, 2022 |
| Feb 14 – Feb 20, 2022 | Mar 7, 2022 | Mar 10, 2022 |
| Feb 21 – Feb 27, 2022 | Mar 14, 2022 | Mar 17, 2022 |
| Feb 28 – Mar 6, 2022 | Mar 21, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 |
| Mar 7 – Mar 13, 2022 | Mar 28, 2022 | Mar 31, 2022 |
| Mar 14 – Mar 20, 2022 | Apr 4, 2022 | Apr 7, 2022 |
| Mar 21 -Mar 27, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 | Apr 14, 2022 |
| Mar 28- Apr 3, 2022 | Apr 18, 2022 | Apr 21, 2022 |
| Apr 4 – Apr 10, 2022 | Apr 25, 2022 | Apr 28, 2022 |
| Apr 11 – Apr 17, 2022 | May 2, 2022 | May 5, 2022 |
| Apr 18 – Apr 24, 2022 | May 9, 2022 | May 12, 2022 |
| Apr 25 – May 1, 2022 | May 16, 2022 | May 19, 2022 |
However, this schedule is a guideline, and the IRS doesn’t have to adhere to it.
Your refund may come sooner or later than the estimated payout dates. But I recommend not making any huge financial plans based on your refund payment date.
Remember, you’re dealing with the IRS, and delays can (and do) happen.
Besides your refund payment being delayed, there are other common tax refund events that can happen.
See the IRS website for more information. Next, let’s talk about ways you can have a lower tax bill next year.
Summary
Remember, the upcoming tax deadline for 2022 is Monday, April 18.
If you can, file your taxes before the deadline or apply for an extension if you are unable to have them completed by that date.
And if you have a complicated situation, a tax accountant might make things easier and save you more in tax breaks.
When it comes to filing your taxes and getting your refund as fast as possible, it’s helpful to file online and choose direct deposit for payment.
This option is best because sending in a paper return or requesting a check for payment will add weeks to getting your tax refund.
The IRS’s Where’s My Refund tracking tool and mobile app are great resources for following your tax refund from beginning to end.
While you should get your tax refund within 21 days, sometimes it may take longer, and you might need to provide more information.
Make sure you file on time, enter the correct bank account information and avoid contacting the IRS unless it is after the 21-day deadline.
Before you spend any of your tax refund money, find a way to align it with your current financial goals. Then, use it to help fund those goals.