How long should it take to get my tax refund?

Depending on how you file your tax return and how you choose to receive your refund, you can expect to wait anywhere from two weeks to several months. Here are the typical waiting times:

Six weeks or more — if you file by paper and request a paper check.

Four weeks or more — if you file electronically and request a refund by paper check.

About 10 business days — if you e-file and elect direct deposit.

The IRS says that 90% of refunds are processed within 21 days. Legally, though, the government could wait much longer.