The tax reform law officially kicked in on January 1, 2018, but the taxes you are filing now (from January through April 15, 2019) will be when most Americans see the changes.
With the new tax reform law, many people are wondering if their refunds will be larger this year. And when will you get your tax refund? What’s the earliest you can get your tax refund check?
The answer: Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 (maybe) — But more likely, Friday, Feb. 8. (But… at least March 1 if you have EITC.)
The “maybe” depends on several things:
- The IRS usually starts accepting returns around the third week of January, but with major changes to tax law this year, and the tax forms, there is a very good chance the tax season will start a week or two later.
- If the taxpayer has the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or CTC (Child Tax Credit), refunds are not processed until late February to ensure that persons claiming those credits are qualified to.
- Direct Deposit or paper check? Having your refund direct deposited can save as much as 10 days of processing and mailing time. And it’s free.
- E-file or paper file? Paper filers wait at least a month longer for their refunds.