With tax season upon us, millions of Americans are dealing with the stress of filing taxes while looking ahead to when their tax refund arrives. For some, that money is a little bonus that won’t make or break their bank accounts, but for others, receiving the money as soon as possible could make a huge difference in their lives.
No matter how your tax refund is set to benefit you, the Internal Revenue Service is offering up several tips on what taxpayers can do to ensure their refund is sent to them as quickly as possible. If you’ve already filed, it’s probably too late to use these tips, but for those who still have to submit their return, here’s what you can do to speed up the process.
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Get your necessary documents ready
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and information ready. One of the biggest things that can hold up a refund being issued is if you’re missing important information regarding your earnings or investments for the tax year.
That means having documents such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, records of digital asset transactions and other income documents, as well as Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace statement. If you’ve received any letters from the IRS regarding an amount received for a certain tax deduction or credit, you’ll need that as well.
You’ll also need to have documents ready for income earned outside of your regular job. That can include information like investments, goods created and sold on online platforms, part-time or seasonal work, self-employment or income earned through services provided and paid through mobile apps (think Uber, DoorDash, etc.).
File your taxes electronically and choose direct deposit
Even if you have all the information listed above ready to go, the way your return is filed and how you elect to receive your refund can greatly impact how fast you receive your money. The IRS says most refunds are distributed within 21 calendar days of the agency accepting your return.
However, if you choose to file a paper return, that can delay how long it takes for the IRS to even receive your return. Electing to receive a paper check can also delay your return. The Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service says paper refund checks are 16 times more likely to have an issue, like the check being lost, misdirected, stolen or uncashed than those that are set for direct deposit into a bank account.
Use the correct tax preparation software or hire a trusted tax professional
While many Americans are comfortable doing their own taxes, you should still consider using a tax software preparation service if you can. Tax software can help catch any possible mistakes that could delay the acceptance of your return. Keep in mind, if the IRS identifies mistakes on your return, the agency may require you to make corrections or include more information, which can further delay the process.
For any individual or family who earned $84,000 or less in 2024, the IRS Free File service is available at no cost to taxpayers. The service offers a guided tax preparation that guarantees accurate math calculations. However, depending on where you live, you may not be able to use the service to file state taxes.
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If you don’t qualify for free file, but still want to file your own taxes, it is recommended you use tax software just to be sure your return doesn’t have major mistakes.
If you want to hire a tax professional to help you, the IRS provides a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications. The directory can help you find a local tax preparer who has “professional credentials recognized by the IRS or who hold an Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion,” according to the IRS.
The directory allows you to search by zip code and filter out professionals based on their credentials and more.
For more information on filing taxes or other tips, visit the IRS website.