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Wondering how long it will take to get your TurboTax refund check? It depends on how you file and what type of refund you opt for. You’ll also want to file as early—the IRS opened filing on February 12—as you can to get your refund processed faster. Read on for Groupon Coupons’ guide on each TurboTax option and how long they take.
This is by far the slowest option for receiving your tax refund. Due to mail delays that result in IRS backlogs, it can take up to a few months for your tax return to be processed. We recommend e-filing to speed up the process significantly.
If you e-file with TurboTax and opt to receive your refund as a paper check, you could have your refund within 28–42 days (That’s anywhere from a month to a month and a half). Just be sure your mailing address is correct or you may end up with big delays and a bigger headache.
If you e-file with TurboTax and opt for direct deposit, you can have your refund within 21 days of IRS acceptance. This is by far the easiest and most secure way to get your refund.
TurboTax Refund Advance is a free program that gives you access to up to $4,000 of your federal tax refund amount within a day of IRS acceptance—and sometimes as fast as three hours. To get your early refund, you’ll get a Turbo Visa Debit Card, which is subject to approval and fees. Once the IRS processes your tax return, which usually happens within 21 days, the remainder of your federal tax refund will be loaded onto the card.
Note: This year’s TurboTax Refund Advance program ended on February 15, 2021, but read on for a primer on how to take advantage of it next year.
There are quite a few eligibility requirements for this program, including being 18 or older, filing your tax returns with TurboTax, having a minimum expected federal tax return of $500, and not being a resident of North Carolina or Illinois. Check out the full list here.
The exact amount you’ll receive will depend on your expected refund. Here’s a handy chart to help you figure it out:
| Expected Federal Refund Amount | Maximum Refund Advance Amount |
|---|---|
| $500–$999 | $250 |
| $1,000–$1,499 | $500 |
| $1,500–$1,999 | $750 |
| $2,000–$2,999 | $1,000 |
| $3,000–$3,999 | $1,500 |
| $4,000–$4,999 | $2,000 |
| $5,000–$5,999 | $2,500 |
| $6,000–$6,999 | $3,000 |
| $7,000–$7,999 | $3,500 |
| $8000 & above | $4,000 |
Usually within a day of IRS acceptance, you’ll receive an email with your virtual TurboTax Visa Debit Card to start shopping online immediately. You’ll receive the physical TurboTax Visa Debit Card within 5–10 business days, at which point you can withdraw cash from ATMs and use your card wherever Visa debit cards are accepted.
Here’s where you’ll need to be careful. If you’re using the card for an extended period of time and not depositing at least $1,000 each month, you’ll incur a $4.95 monthly fee. You’ll also be charged $2.50 per transaction when using out-of-network ATMs. You can avoid these fees by having your paycheck direct-deposited to the card and by only using in-network ATMs. Take a look at the fee structure here before deciding whether TurboTax Visa Debit Card is right for you.
It depends. If you’re strapped for cash and want immediate access to your refund, then TurboTax Refund Advance could come in handy for the short term. But if you have the ability to wait for your refund, you’ll save more in the long run by avoiding all those pesky fees.
Check back here in December 2021 for more info on TurboTax Refund Advance.
Looking for other ways to save on tax filing? Check out our collection of TurboTax coupons for the latest deals and offers.
