If you have the good fortune of expecting a tax refund, all that’s needed after filing your return is to await its arrival. Direct deposit is usually the method of choice for most taxpayers (as it shortens the waiting time), but some folks still enjoy the feel of holding that physical check in their hands. 🙂 (Updated 6 Feb 2024)

In either event, the time it takes to receive your refund will depend on the agency it’s coming from — if you’re past the normal waiting period, we recommend you use the links provided to lookup its status (be sure to have your tax return handy, as they usually ask for bits of information to perform the lookup):

• Federal refunds typically take around 2 weeks by direct deposit, and about 3-4 weeks for a check by mail. You can lookup yours on the IRS Refund Status page.

• Maryland is a usually a little quicker, at around 1 1/2 weeks for direct deposit, and 2 to 2 1/2 weeks by mail. You can lookup yours on the MD Refund Status page.

• District of Columbia can be about 2 weeks for direct deposit, and 3 1/2 weeks for checks by mail. You can lookup yours on the DC Refund Status page. (Look for the “Check the Status of My Refund” link in the Individual box area.)

• Virginia can be around 2 weeks for direct deposit, and 3 weeks for checks by mail. You can lookup yours on the VA Refund Status page.

• Other states can vary depending on how efficient the agency is — you can do a Google search for the state name and “tax department”, and usually find a refund status link from their home page.

Most of the time everything is okay and you can place your mind at ease. If the status appears strange, though, you may want to inquire by calling the phone number provided.

Then the only thing after receiving your refund, is to figure out the best way to use those Benjamin’s!