When Will You Receive Your Tax Refund? How to Track Your Refund Status

 Prepare for Tax Season: Key Information for Filing Your 2024 Tax Return

Filing your taxes might not be your favorite task, but preparing in advance can help you avoid unnecessary stress.






When Are 2024 Taxes Due?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting federal tax returns in late January. Federal income tax returns are due on Tuesday, April 15.

New York state income taxes are also due on April 15.

To file for an extension on your federal income tax, taxpayers must submit Form 4868 by April 15. This grants an additional six months to complete your tax return, extending the deadline to Tuesday, October 15.

Tax returns can still be filed after April 15 without an extension, but you may incur penalties if you owe taxes.

To file for an extension on your state income tax, fill out the appropriate form, such as Form IT-201 for New York residents. However, if you owe taxes, your extension payment must still be made by the original due date.

How to File Your 2024 Taxes

To file your federal income taxes, complete Form 1040 either online or by mailing a paper form.

  • If you file electronically and your return is accurate and complete, refunds are typically processed within three weeks—especially if using direct deposit.
  • If you mail a paper return, refunds may take six to eight weeks after the IRS receives your filing.

Free Tax Filing Options

  • Taxpayers who earned $84,000 or less in 2024 can file a free tax return through the IRS website.
  • New York residents meeting this income requirement can also file online for free.

The IRS provides online tools for assistance, and taxpayers can call 800-829-1040 for support. Additionally, New York offers a Taxpayer Assistance Program for electronic filing of state and federal returns.



Service members may qualify for MilTax, a free tax preparation service.

For those making $67,000 or less, those with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or individuals aged 60 and older, in-person, full-service tax preparation is available for free through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

How to Get Your W-2

Employers are required to provide W-2 forms by January 31. This form reports your total wages and taxes withheld for the year.

When to Expect Your Tax Refund

The IRS expects to issue most refunds via direct deposit within 21 days. However, some returns require additional review, which may cause delays.

Common reasons for refund delays include:

  • Claims for certain credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
  • Whether the return was e-filed or mailed
  • Existing federal debts owed by the taxpayer

How to Check Your Refund Status

To track your refund, use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go app. Updates occur once a day overnight.

You'll need:

  • Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Filing status
  • Exact refund amount


Keep in mind that processing times depend on when the IRS receives and enters your return into its system. E-filed returns may take a few days, while mailed paper returns could take several weeks for manual entry.

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