When it comes to filing tax returns, there are a lot of questions taxpayers always have. And it’s easy to understand why that’s the case.
Taxes after all are very confusing and even mind-boggling to many of us taxpayers. When waiting for your tax refund, this confusion can easily turn into frustration and anger. After all, you just want the money that’s rightly yours. So where is it?
One common question people waiting for their refund have is “do you count weekends when waiting for a tax refund?”
The short answer is yes. But there’s more to it than that. Get an overview of what you need to know about this here.
Do You Count Weekends When Waiting For A Tax Refund?
Yes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) counts weekends when you are waiting for a tax return. Let’s dig in a little to see how it works.
The thing is, the IRS has been a little confusing, yet still transparent, when it comes to tax refunds.
Tax Refunds In 21 Days
They used to publish a tax refund calendar. However, they have discontinued that process and replaced it with the 21 days rule for 90 percent of filers. Basically, what this means is that the IRS issues most tax refunds by taxpayers within 21 days of the taxpayer filing their return.
So if you filed for a tax, you will have to wait 21 days for your tax return. And those 21 days of waiting include weekends.
When you get a direct deposit date, you will get a message from the system stating that “Expect your refund on this date, but call if not received by XXX date”.
Can It Take Longer Than 21 Days?
So it is possible for your tax refunds to take longer than the expected date. However, why is that the case?
Well, it is possible for tax refunds to take longer especially if you have refundable tax credits. If you have Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credits, then it is possible for your tax refunds to be delayed.
That is because there will be an additional process the IRS needs to go through.
It is also possible for your tax refunds to be delayed due to the bank taking many days to process ETF transfers into your account.
So even though the IRS sent the money on the listed date, it is possible that your bank may not post it to your account for several days.
Keep Track of Refunds Online
The IRS also has introduced new tools such as the “Where’s My Refund/Check My Refund Status” which helps filers keep track of their tax refund status.
Some people trying to use that site encounter issues with it not functioning well or content that seems to have disappeared.
This happens sometimes if the irs.gov “Where’s My Refund” site has too much traffic and is lagging a bit. Turns out a lot of people want to find out about their refund status and the site gets slammed sometimes.
If that happens to you, we recommend you try again a little later.
Either way, however, weekends will count when waiting for your tax refund!
