IRS Just Released New Refund Dates—Find Out If You’re Getting Paid This Week!

fingers, and now you’re refreshing your bank account like it’s a part-time job.

If you’re wondering whether your refund is coming between April 28 and May 4, here’s what’s actually happening—and how to figure out if you’re part of this week’s payout batch.

Are You in This Week’s Refund Group?

If you filed your taxes in early to mid-April—we’re talking around April 7 to April 13—and you filed online with direct deposit, then yes, you’re probably due for your refund this week.

The IRS usually sends out refunds within 21 days of accepting your return—sometimes even faster if everything’s clean and you chose direct deposit.

But if you:

• Mailed in a paper return,

• Requested a paper check,

• Or had issues like missing info or errors,

…your refund might take a bit longer to show up.

Here’s What Might Be Slowing It Down

Even if you did everything right, a few common things can push your refund back:

• You made a small mistake. A typo in your SSN, a math error, or a mismatch with IRS records can hold things up.

• You claimed the EITC or ACTC. These credits are super helpful—but also flagged for extra review by law, so the IRS takes a bit longer with them.

• They need to confirm your identity. Sometimes the IRS wants to make sure it’s really you filing, especially if there’s a history of fraud on your account.

• You owe money. If you’ve got unpaid taxes, child support, or even student loans, your refund might be reduced or delayed.

How to Check on Your Refund (Without Losing Your Mind)

You don’t have to sit around wondering. Here are the easiest ways to check your refund status:

1. “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov
   It’s super easy to use and updates once a day. You’ll need:

   • Your Social Security number (or ITIN)

   • Your filing status (like Single, Married, etc.)

   • The exact refund amount you’re expecting

2. IRS2Go App
   Same info, just on your phone. Great for checking on the go.

3. Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954
   Not everyone likes to call, but it’s there if you want it.

What If It’s Been More Than 3 Weeks?

If it’s been over 21 days since you e-filed, and there’s still no sign of your money, don’t panic just yet. Sometimes banks take an extra day or two to post deposits, or your return might’ve been pulled for a quick review.

But if it’s way overdue, reach out to the IRS or check your IRS account online to see if there’s a notice or update waiting for you.

Quick Refund Timing Cheat Sheet

Just to give you an idea of what’s “normal,” here’s how long refunds usually take depending on how you filed:

If you e-filed your taxes in early April and chose direct deposit, there’s a good chance your refund will hit your account sometime between April 28 and May 4. But if you haven’t seen anything yet, don’t stress—just check the status, be sure there were no issues, and give it a few more days.