When will you receive your tax refund? What to know in NC this tax season
Tax season is well underway and refunds are going out, but some filers in North Carolina may still be waiting for their money.
Even though millions of taxpayers file early each year hoping to get their money quickly, some people may still be waiting weeks later for their refunds to arrive.
While the IRS typically issues most refunds within about three weeks, several factors can slow the process down, from how you filed your return to certain credits that require extra review.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is the fastest way to get a tax refund?
According to the IRS, the fastest way to receive your tax refund is through direct deposit, which allows refunds to be electronically deposited into a bank account at no cost.
The agency also says combining electronic filing with direct deposit, especially when filing early, results in the quickest refunds, and some taxpayers may qualify to file electronically for free.
While online tax programs and smartphone apps such as TurboTax, H&R Block and TaxSlayer can make filing more convenient, they typically charge a fee that may be deducted from your refund.
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How fast will my refund come if I file a paper return?
If you file a complete and accurate paper return, the IRS says you can expect your refund within six to eight weeks from the date your return is received.
Why could your tax refund be delayed?
Some tax returns can take longer to process for many reasons, the IRS says, including when a return:
- Is sent by mail
- Contains errors or is incomplete
- Is affected by identity theft or fraud
- Was referred to the IRS by the bank due to suspicious activity
- Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit
- Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process
- Needs further review in general
If more information is needed to process returns, the IRS says it will contact those taxpayers by mail.
How to get tax help
On Thursday, March 5, the IRS announced it would extend weekly office hours at more than 200 Taxpayer Assistance Centers across the country. Extended office hours will take place weekdays through Thursday, April 30, and some locations also have Saturday hours through June.
Charlotte and Raleigh both have an office location.
- Both locations have extended hours Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:30 a.m. and 4:30-6 p.m.
- The Charlotte office is also open select Saturdays.
- These offices can help with tax forms, account inquiries, basic tax law assistance and more.
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer. Inspired by a story from The Bellingham Herald in Washington.
