With tax season in full swing and the April 15 deadline quickly approaching, many individuals are eagerly awaiting tax refunds from the IRS. While federal tax returns are typically due on April 15 across the country, Maine and Massachusetts have a later deadline of April 17 due to a state holiday. Those who receive an extension will have until October 15 to file their income tax returns. As the deadline approaches, social media posts have surfaced featuring a calendar of dates for expected tax refunds, with details on when direct deposits and paper checks are likely to be issued.
A TikTok post by user iamreka14, which garnered 834,000 views, included a calendar labeled “2024 IRS Tax Refund Calendar” featuring dates for return acceptance and corresponding dates for refunds. Another user, janaylove11, shared a similar calendar, resulting in over 1.1 million views. While the information on these calendars may provide some insight into the expected timeline for refunds, the IRS typically issues refunds in less than 21 days in over 90% of cases. However, there are instances where refunds may be delayed, such as errors in the return, incomplete information, identity theft, or suspicious activity, among other factors. The IRS website provides a comprehensive list of issues that can cause delays.
An IRS spokesperson clarified that while the agency aims to issue refunds within the standard timeframe, there could be cases that require further review, resulting in delays. While the calendars shared on social media may offer a rough estimate of when to expect a refund, they are not official IRS documents. The IRS recommends electronic filing as the quickest way to submit tax returns, potentially expediting the refund process. Newsweek has also released a guide on avoiding common mistakes that could slow down refunds, such as failure to claim tax refunds, which have amounted to over $1 billion collectively from nearly one million individuals since 2020.
In conclusion, while the social media posts may provide some insight into potential refund timelines, it is essential to understand that the IRS does not produce an official calendar for refund issuance based on filing dates. While most refunds are processed within 21 days of return acceptance, various factors can affect the timeline. Electronic filing is recommended for quicker processing, and individuals are advised to be aware of potential delays due to errors or other issues. It is crucial to stay informed and vigilant during tax season to ensure a smooth refund process.
