Saving & Spending Taxes

5 Things You Can Do To Get Your Tax Refund Faster

These tips can help you get your tax refund in as little as 21 days after filing.

couple doing taxes and family budget
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Tax filing season has opened, and the Internal Revenue Service has ramped up its operations. The governmental agency expects to file 128.7 million individual tax returns this year. 

In anticipation of the glut of paperwork, they’ve increased the number of people staffing their in-person centers and toll-free information line. More people working for the IRS means your tax return process could be quicker and more seamless. 

The IRS stated that those who file quickly and don’t owe taxes could receive tax returns in as little as 21 days with a few exceptions, including those with the Earned Income Tax Credit.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Double-check everything

deagreez/Adobe writing pen plan list

The quickest way to receive your tax return fast is to have everything you need to file and fill out the form correctly. An incorrect social security number or wrong deduction or address can impact your tax return. 

Double-check the W-2 forms to ensure that the name, address, and social security number used in the form are correct. And don’t be afraid to break out a calculator. Go over your tax return slowly to catch any mathematical mistakes you may have made.

Get your paperwork in order

Wesley JvR/peopleimages.com/Adobe paperwork and happy couple on sofa

Before you file that tax return, visit the IRS’s Get Ready to File checklist to compare what documents you have or need to file. You can also compare the previous year’s documents used to prepare for filing this year.

If receiving monies from retirement funds, pensions, IRAs, insurance contracts, annuities, etc., you’ll need to use a 1099-R. If you won money from gambling, you’ll have to fill out a W-2G. Various types of investments require using a specific form. 

The IRS has free forms and instructions that you can fill out online or download and fill out.

Get help

Rido/Adobe executive helping new employee

The IRS offers free tax help to those who earn $64,000 or less, are 60 or older, have a disability, or need language help. The sooner you visit one of the IRS’s Taxpayer Assistance Centers and file, the faster you’ll get your tax returns.

File electronically with direct deposit

makibestphoto/Adobe student studies online on laptop

E-filing ensures that not only will the IRS get the tax return immediately, but they’ll turn around and process it quickly too. Jump on the trend, e-file, and get your return fast. If you’ve never filed your taxes electronically, it’s easy. 

Visit the IRS website and create an account. Have your bank’s routing and account numbers on hand, and opt for the direct deposit option when creating your account. Your tax return will then be deposited directly into your checking or savings account.

If you are working with a CPA or tax preparer, ask them if you can e-file before working on this year’s tax returns. Most tax professionals will e-file the tax return for you.

File early

Andrey Popov/Adobe couple doing taxes

How do you get your taxes ahead of that crowd of people? File as soon as you can. 

Last year’s average tax return was $2,753. Getting a tax return in that amount (or near it) this year would be a nice addition to your savings account. Once you’ve filed, you can use the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool to track the status of your refund.

Bottom line

tashatuvango/Adobe folder with taxes tag in cupboard

On Monday, the IRS stated it was the official start of tax season, and they’re now happily accepting tax returns. The IRS has increased its staff to help with the work involved in filing a high amount of returns. 

There’s always a chance of a “traffic jam” of paperwork that can hold up a tax return, so be sure to file as soon as you can before the April 15 deadline to get your refund faster and get ahead financially.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details