Why can't you tell me exactly when I'll get my federal refund? E-flied returns jump to the front of the line for processing, but there is still a lot of processing between the time you sign your authorization and the funds are released.  Once we have everything in hand that we require to e-file your return, we double-check parts of your return, generate the electronic file, and forward to a clearing house for transmission to the IRS.  The IRS will perform some preliminary checks on your return and within 48 hours of receipt will either accept the return for processing or send a rejection notice to let us know why it wasn't accepted. It takes about one week after acceptance for the IRS to process most returns and authorize refunds, though special processing or internal review may delay the process.  Once authorized, the IRS generates refunds on a weekly cycle; Direct Deposits will generally be sent on Wednesdays, and Paper Checks will generally be mailed on Fridays.  We suggest that you allow up to five (5) additional days for the financial institution to post the refund to your account, or for mail delivery.

Why didn't I get the entire federal refund I expected? If you owe money to the IRS or state, or have unpaid student loans, child support or alimony, or any of a number of other liabilities, part or all of your refund may be intercepted.  If this happens, you should receive a notice explaining how your overpayment was applied.  If you don't receive a notice, you may contact the Department of Treasury's Financial Management Service (FMS) at 800-304-3107.  (Contact the IRS only if your original refund amount shown on the FMS notice differs from the refund amount shown on your tax return.)