*To qualify, you must open a new Netspend Visa Prepaid Card between 12/01/2021 and 04/15/2022 and use your new Card for Purchase Transactions of at least $200 in each calendar month of April, May, and June in 2022 (totaling $600). $20.00 will be credited to your account within 10 business days of fulfilling offer requirements. Subject to Card activation and ID verification. Limit one (1) offer per Card. Other costs, terms, and conditions are associated with the use of the Card. Offer may not be transferred, exchanged, redeemed for cash, or combined with other offers. Void where prohibited. Offer sponsor: Netspend. Pathward, N.A., and Visa do not sponsor or endorse this offer.
Faster access claim is based on comparison of a disbursement via direct deposit vs. disbursement via a mailed paper check. For up-to-date information from the IRS, www.irs.gov/refunds. Subject to card activation and ID verification. Terms & costs apply. Card issued by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC.
Note: Netspend is not a tax advisor or CPA. The knowledge in this post is general information and should not replace the advice of a tax professional. For more information, please reach out to a tax professional in your area.
If you're like many Americans, you look forward to getting some money back after you file your tax return each year. Tax refunds are used for many things, including paying bills, debt, and adding to savings. If you've recently filed your 2021 taxes, you could be wondering when your refund will hit your account.
Here is more information on what to expect this tax season.
What day will I get my tax refund?
When you get your refund depends on when you file. For the 2021 tax filing season, the earliest day to file is January 24.
How long will it take to get a tax refund?
While the IRS can experience backlog during the busiest times of the year, they are generally pretty good about following their own stated tax refund schedule.
Only call the IRS about a return if it's been 21 days or more since you e-filed or the "Where's My Refund" portal tells you to.
By law, the IRS can’t issue any refunds involving the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February, so even if you file on January 24, you might have to wait until mid-February or later to receive your refund.
How can I check on my refund status?
The IRS has created a status page called "Where's My Refund" that can update you on when your refund should be paid. The IRS states that this page will show a status for your return no sooner than 24 hours after e-filing, but mailed refunds will take longer.
The IRS attempts to update this system every day, usually overnight, so if you don't see an update today, check tomorrow.
You'll need the following information to check your refund status:
- Social security number
- Filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
- The expected amount of your refund
Based on this information, the IRS can look up your account and provide any updates they have for you.
Why is my refund taking so long?
There are a few reasons your refund may be delayed, including missing or inaccurate payment information. If you have given the IRS your correct account information, other reasons could cause you to wait, including:
- Incomplete tax return
- Incorrect information provided
- Needs further review by the IRS
It's also possible, while not likely, that your return was affected by fraud or identity theft. In the case that someone else filed pretending to be you, the IRS will see two returns and have to verify the identity of the person filing. Tax fraud is becoming more commonplace and allows thieves to file in the hopes of getting your return. If you suspect that you are a victim of fraud, contact the IRS right away.
Why is my tax refund so small?
There were some big changes to the tax process in 2021, including the addition of the Advanced Child Tax Credit payments. If you received a check or electronic payment in any of the months July through December, you likely got one of these advanced credits.
Prior to 2021, you would have received this payment amount credited to your taxes. This year, with half of that amount already paid to you in advance, you won't have as much to apply toward taxes owed. This may mean you don't get a refund, your refund will be smaller, or (in some cases) you actually owe money.
Keep track of your Advanced Child Tax Credits so you know more about how it will affect your refund. This year may have you seeing much different numbers than in the past, even if you've worked the same job and have earned about the same wages as before.
Stay informed this tax season
Tax refunds are something many look forward to but they can be hard to plan for. If you have questions about the tax refund you may see this year, be sure to seek tax advice from a professional. Checking the IRS website around the time you file can help keep you informed of updates to the tax calendar and any widespread delays to the refund system.
To help make this tax season a little brighter, Netspend is offering a special promotion:
$20 Bonus[1]
Order a new Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card. and you’ll earn an extra $20 when you spend $200 in purchases each month of April, May, and June.
You will also get your tax refund faster[2] with Direct Deposit on a Netspend Prepaid Card!
