How refund timing works
The IRS issues nine out of ten refunds in less than 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit.
If you filed through Chime with direct deposit to your Chime account, you may receive your federal refund up to five days early. Chime does not guarantee timing of refund. Five day refund estimate is based on 2024 tax year filing data. Refund timing estimates are dependent upon timing of complete tax return submission and when the IRS submits your refund.
Note: Our team won't have additional information about your refund status beyond what the IRS provides. For the most up-to-date information, contact the IRS directly.
How to check your refund status
The IRS Where's My Refund? tool is the fastest way to track your refund. Visit irs.gov and click Where's My Refund?, or download the IRS2Go app. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount you're expecting.
If your estimated refund date has passed and you still haven't received your funds, contact the IRS for help. Sometimes the IRS needs more information before releasing a refund — even if your return shows as accepted. Check your mail in case the IRS has sent a letter with instructions.
Special situations that affect timing
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) refunds under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act If your return includes the EITC or theACTC, the IRS is required by law to hold those refunds until at least mid-February, even if your return was accepted early. This delay exists to help prevent fraud.
Treasury checks: If the IRS sends a paper Treasury check instead of a direct deposit, you can deposit it using Chime's Mobile Check Deposit. Allow up to 5 business days for the funds to clear after deposit. Treasury checks must be within your available Mobile Check Deposit limits. Limits vary by member.
To set up your direct deposit for your tax refund, see Receive your tax refund with Chime.
For refund questions after filing through Chime, see Check and fix your tax filing status.
*Chime does not provide tax advice. Please consult your accountant for tailored tax guidance.