If you are hoping to get your tax refund in the next few weeks, the IRS will start accepting returns on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013.
The IRS anticipates that more than 120 million household will be able to start filing their returns on Wednesday if they are filing simple returns with basic deductions.
Using free e-file services online like TurboTax, taxpayers can expect to get their tax refund within 21 days of their return being accepted by the IRS.
The fastest way to get your refund is not by paper check. Use direct deposit or, if you do not have a bank account, choose to have your refund put on a debit card, including the free TurboTax NetSpend Premier Visa Prepaid Card.
If you aren't quite ready to e-file yet, but you want to see if you will get a refund, get a free estimate of your refund on TurboTax.com without starting your tax return.
However, if you are filing certain certain forms, you may have to wait as long as March for to submit your tax return. This includes forms such as the Residential Energy Credits Form (5696); General Business Credits Form (3800); Mortgage Interest Credit Form Form (8396); Energy Efficient Home Credit Form (8098); or the Depreciation of Property Form (4562).
Once you e-file, you can check the status of your refund on the IRS.gov by clicking "Where's My Refund."
Wait about 24-hours after your tax return has been accepted online by the IRS before you check for the status of your refund. You will need your Social Security number, the exact amount of your refund and your filing status to get your personal information online.
