Taxpayers have three options for receiving their individual federal income tax refund: a paper check, direct deposit (electronic funds transfer) into a checking, savings or other account; or a purchase of U.S. Series I Savings Bonds. Taxpayers may request that tax refunds be directly deposited in up to three separate accounts. The refund must be $1.00 or more. Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account, will give taxpayers a choice of selecting up to three accounts such as checking, savings and retirement accounts.
If you file a complete accurate tax return, your tax refund will be issued within six weeks from the received date. If you filed electronically, fast refund checks will be issued within three weeks after the acknowledgment date. Refunds from amended returns will be issued within 8–12 weeks. Injured spouse claims can take longer, depending on the circumstances. Refer to Topic 203 for more information concerning Injured Spouse Claims.
If you receive a tax refund to which you are not entitled, or one for an amount that is more than you expected, do not cash the check until you receive a notice explaining the difference. Follow the instructions on the notice. On the other hand, if you receive a refund for a smaller amount than you expected, you may cash the check, and, if it is determined that you should have received more, you will later receive a check for the difference. If you did not receive a notice and you have questions about the amount of your tax refund, wait two weeks after receiving the tax refunds.
