How long does it take to get an income tax return?

Income tax refunds for electronically filed returns process within 21 days from the e-file acceptance date. However, refunds from mailed paper returns process within six weeks from the date it is received, explains the IRS.

The IRS further explains that, though it issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days, inaccurate or incomplete tax returns may call for further review, making the process take longer than the expected processing time. Representatives from the IRS can research on a return status only if it has been more than 21 days since reception of an e-file acceptance notification by the applicant, more than six days since the applicant mailed his paper return, or if Where’s My Refund directs the applicant, states IRS.