(NewsNation) — Tax season has come and gone, and you’re probably wondering when your federal tax refund will hit your bank account.

The fastest way to get your federal tax refund is by filing your return electronically and using direct deposit. If you do that, the Internal Revenue Service typically issues refunds within 21 days.

For many Americans, that refund will provide a much-needed financial lifeline. A recent Credit Karma survey found that 37% of taxpayers rely on their refunds to make ends meet, rising to 50% among millennials.

But you should only expect a refund if you overpaid on your taxes. Typically, overpayment happens when your employer withholds too much from your paycheck.

The IRS issues most refunds in under 21 days for those who e-file and use direct deposit, but that’s not a guarantee. You shouldn’t rely on getting a refund by a certain date.

Here’s when to expect your refund and how to check your refund status.

When will I get my federal tax refund?

The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit. Paper refunds take about six to eight weeks from when the IRS receives your return.

Getting your tax refund sent directly to your bank account is simple. Select direct deposit as your refund method and type in the account and routing numbers.

Once the IRS approves your direct deposit refund, it should hit your account within a few days, but that depends on your bank’s processing time, according to TurboTax.

The latest IRS data shows that the average federal tax refund in 2024 was $3,138.

How do I check the status of my federal tax refund?

You can check the status of your federal refund by using the Where’s My Refund? tool on the IRS website. You’ll need three pieces of information to do so:

1. Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
2. Your filing status
3. The exact refund amount on your return

According to the IRS, your refund status will appear around:

• 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return
• 3 or 4 days after you e-file a prior-year return
• 4 weeks after you file a paper return

The Where’s My Refund? tool will show your refund status in three different phases. Here’s what they mean:

1. Return Received: The IRS has received your return and is processing it.
2. Refund Approved: The IRS has approved your refund and is preparing to issue it by the date shown.
3. Refund Sent: The IRS sent the refund to your bank or through the mail.
   • Note: It may take 5 days for the money to show in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.

You can also check your tax refund status on IRS2Go, the official mobile app of the IRS. If you don’t have internet access, you can call the automated refund hotline at  800-829-1954 for a current-year refund or 866-464-2050 for an amended return.

Why is my tax refund delayed?

If it’s been longer than 21 days since the IRS accepted your tax return, you’re probably wondering where your refund is.

Remember, the three-week timeline is a general guide, not a hard and fast rule. There are several reasons your refund may be delayed, according to the IRS, including:

• Your return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud.
• Your return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount.
• Your return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit, additional child tax credit or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation.
• Your bank or credit union is taking longer to post the refund to your account.

You will be contacted by mail if the IRS needs more information to process your return.

What about my state tax refund?

If you’ve had more state income taxes withheld from your paycheck than you owe, you could receive a state tax refund. Your state tax refund is a separate calculation from your federal tax refund, and tax laws vary depending on where you live.

Most states have online tools that allow tax filers to check their state refund status, so it’s best to check directly with your state’s taxation department.

Here’s how it works in a few states:

Californians can check their refund status here. You’ll need your:

• Social Security number
• ZIP code
• Exact refund amount
• Numbers in your mailing address

In California, it will typically take up to three weeks to receive your refund if you e-file and up to three months if you file by paper.

Taxpayers in Georgia can check their refund status here. You’ll need your:

• Social Security number
• Expected amount of return

After submitting your Georgia tax return, allow at least two weeks of processing time before checking the status.

Missouri taxpayers can check their refund status here. You’ll need your:

• Social security number
• Filing status
• Anticipated refund or balance due

The time it takes to view a return through the Missouri return tracker varies. If you e-filed, you can view a return up to five business days after you file. If you filed a paper return, you can view a return up to four weeks after mailing the return.