Avoid IRS Tax Refund Delays with These Easy Filing Tips

When tax season comes, you may hear about IRS tax refund delays but don’t worry. By following a few simple tips, you can help ensure a smooth process and minimize the risk of delays. Follow these easy steps to get your refund as quickly as possible:

Get your documents ready. Gather all your tax forms like your W-2s and 1099(s), receipts, and correct social security numbers for dependents. Keep this information all in one place so you can access it easily, helping to ensure you file an accurate tax return.

Directly import forms into TurboTax. You don’t need to wait for your W-2 to come by mail. With TurboTax, you can import your W-2 directly from your employer or payroll provider, eliminating data entry. TurboTax can also use last year’s info to jump start your return.

E-file with direct deposit. E-filing your return is the fastest way to get your tax refund. Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days or less when they file electronically with direct deposit if there are no issues with their tax return.

File for valuable credits. If your income is below the filing requirement and you don’t need to file a return, the IRS encourages you to still file so you don’t miss out on valuable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit worth up to $7,830 for a family with three kids for tax year 2024 and the Child Tax Credit. Both of these credits can give you a refund.

Use $0 as your adjusted gross income if your prior year  return is not processed. Whenever you e-file, you need to input your prior year adjusted gross income(AGI), but if your prior year tax return is not processed yet, use $0 for your prior year AGI to avoid your return being rejected.

Don’t wait! File early so you’re the first in line to get your tax refund when the IRS opens. Keep in mind that under the Path Act, if your refund includes Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS is generally not allowed to issue your tax refund before mid-February. However, you should still file early so you can be the first in line for your tax refund once the IRS can issue your refund. 

If you have questions, TurboTax has resources, tools, and tax experts that can help you. 

*Get your tax refund instantly*: When it’s time to file, choose Refund Advance as your refund option with $0 loan fees and 0% APR. After applying for the advance in a few easy steps, TurboTax will guide you to create your free-to-open checking account with Credit Karma Money™¹. You could get your money in as little as 60 seconds after your IRS accepts your return. Then, you can immediately use your Credit Karma Money virtual debit card². 

No matter what moves you made last year, TurboTax will make them count on your taxes. Whether you want to do your taxes yourself or have a TurboTax expert file for you, we’ll make sure you get every dollar you deserve and your biggest possible refund – guaranteed.

For Refund Advance:

*IRS accepts returns starting late-Jan. Acceptance times vary. You could get funds in seconds, most customers receive funds within 15 minutes of acceptance.

For more detailed information, click here. 

For Credit Karma Money (checking account): 

¹ Banking services provided by MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC. Maximum balance and transfer limits apply.

² Credit Karma Visa® Debit Card issued by MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Visa terms and conditions apply.