Key Dates and Deadlines for Tax Season
Filing Season Start
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting tax returns in late January. For the 2024 tax season, the IRS will start processing returns on January 29, 2024.
Important Deadlines
- April 15, 2024: Standard filing deadline
- April 17, 2024: Deadline for Maine and Massachusetts residents (due to Patriots' Day and Emancipation Day)
- October 15, 2024: Extended filing deadline
Processing Times and Refund Expectations
E-Filing Timeline
- Acceptance confirmation: 24-48 hours after submission
- Initial processing: 1-2 weeks
- Refund approval: 2-3 weeks
- Payment issued: 3-4 weeks (if no issues found)
Most taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit can expect their refund within 21 days of IRS acceptance.
Paper Filing Timeline
- Receipt confirmation: 4-6 weeks
- Initial processing: 6-8 weeks
- Refund approval: 8-10 weeks
- Payment issued: 10-12 weeks
State Tax Return Processing
| Filing Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| E-file | 2-3 weeks |
| Paper | 8-12 weeks |
| Amended | 12-16 weeks |
Common Reasons for Delayed Refunds
Several factors can delay your tax refund:
- Errors or Incomplete Information: Mistakes on your return can slow down processing
- Identity Theft or Fraud: Additional time may be needed to verify your identity
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC): By law, these cannot be issued before mid-February
- Math errors or mismatched documents
- Additional security review requirements
How to Track Your Refund
You can check your refund status through multiple channels:
- IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool
- IRS2Go mobile app
- IRS telephone hotline: 800-829-1954
Note: For e-filed returns, begin checking 24 hours after acceptance. For paper returns, wait 4 weeks after mailing.
Tips for a Smooth Tax Season
Best Practices
- File electronically
- Use direct deposit
- Double-check all information
- Submit early in the tax season
- Keep records for at least three years
- Respond promptly to IRS notices
- Consider using tax preparation software
Remember that these timelines are estimates, and actual processing times may vary based on individual circumstances and IRS workload. For more detailed information, visit the IRS official website.