The IRS began accepting and processing 2024 tax returns on January 29, 2024

The IRS officially opened its filing season for 2024 returns on January 29, 2024. This is the date when the agency started accepting electronically filed returns and processing paper returns that arrived at its facilities. The filing season runs through April 15, 2024, which is the deadline to file your return or request an extension.

Processing speed depends on how you file. Electronic returns are processed much faster than paper returns — typically within 21 days if you file electronically and claim a refund. Paper returns can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer to process, depending on the volume at the IRS processing center that receives your return.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS began accepting 2024 returns on January 29, 2024, and the filing deadline is April 15, 2024.
  • Electronic returns are processed within 21 days in most cases, while paper returns take 4 to 6 weeks or longer.
  • You can check the status of your return using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov, available 24 hours a day.
  • If you file before the deadline and claim a refund, you can expect your money by the date the IRS estimates when you file.
  • Requesting an extension gives you until October 15, 2024, to file, but does not extend the deadline to pay any taxes owed.

How to track your return while it processes

The IRS provides a tool called Where's My Refund on IRS.gov that shows the status of your return in real time. You can access it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To use it, you need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If your return was just filed, it may take 24 hours to appear in the system. After that, you will see one of three statuses: the IRS has received your return, the IRS is processing your return, or your refund has been approved and a payment date has been set.

Do not call the IRS to ask about your return status before 21 days have passed since you filed electronically. The IRS cannot provide information faster than the Where's My Refund tool, and phone lines are busiest during the first few weeks of filing season.

Why some returns take longer to process

The IRS processes most returns within 21 days, but certain situations cause delays. Returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are held until mid-February by law, even if filed in January. This delay allows the IRS to verify that credits are claimed correctly and to prevent fraud.

Other reasons for delays include math errors on your return, missing information (such as a missing Social Security number for a dependent), or a mismatch between your return and information the IRS has on file from your employer or bank. If the IRS finds a problem, it will mail you a notice explaining what is needed.

Paper returns also take longer because they must be manually entered into the IRS system before processing can begin. If you file by paper, expect your refund to arrive 4 to 6 weeks after the IRS receives your return, not after you mail it.

What to do if your refund is delayed past the expected date

If the Where's My Refund tool shows your refund should have arrived but you have not received it, check your bank account first. Refunds sent by direct deposit can take 1 to 2 business days to appear after the IRS releases the payment. If you chose a paper check, allow 7 to 10 business days after the IRS approval date.

If more than 10 business days have passed since the IRS approval date and you still have not received your refund, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can issue a trace on your refund and determine whether it was lost in the mail or if there was a problem with your bank account information.

Filing an extension if you cannot meet the April deadline

You can request an automatic extension of time to file until October 15, 2024, by filing Form 4868 with the IRS before April 15, 2024. You can file this form electronically through tax software, by mail, or by phone. An extension gives you six more months to submit your return, but it does not extend the deadline to pay any taxes you owe.

If you owe taxes and do not pay by April 15, the IRS will charge interest and penalties on the unpaid amount, even if you have an extension to file. To avoid penalties, pay as much as you can by the April 15 deadline, even if you have not finished your return yet. You can adjust the amount when you file your actual return later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my 2024 return before January 29, 2024?

No. The IRS does not accept returns before the official start of filing season. If you file before January 29, your return will be rejected. You must wait until January 29 to file electronically or mail a paper return.

How do I know if my return was received by the IRS?

If you filed electronically, you will receive an electronic confirmation from your tax software or the IRS within 24 hours. If you filed by paper, the IRS does not send a confirmation. You can check the Where's My Refund tool after 24 hours to see if your return has been received.

What if I made a mistake on my return after I filed it?

If you discover an error after filing, do not file another return right away. Wait until the IRS processes your original return first. Once it is processed, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Filing an amended return can take 16 weeks or longer to process.

Will I get my refund faster if I file early in the season?

Filing early does not speed up processing time. The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, and most electronic returns are processed within 21 days regardless of when you file. However, filing early means you receive your refund earlier in the year.

What happens if the IRS finds an error on my return?

The IRS will mail you a notice explaining the error and what you need to do. You will have a deadline to respond, usually 30 days. Do not ignore IRS notices. If you disagree with the IRS finding, you have the right to appeal through the IRS Appeals process.