How often does the IRS process checks?

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service website states that 21 days are usually the longest time it takes to process a tax return. Most people receive their tax refunds either via mail or through direct deposit into their bank account within two to three weeks.

If a tax return takes longer than 21 days, it is often because of an error on the taxpayer's side or because the paperwork is incomplete. Fraud or identity theft are also factors that potentially delay the return. The IRS researches the cause of the delay if it takes longer than 21 days to process an electronic filing. If the filing was mailed, it takes six weeks to process.