IRS Opens Tax Filing Season: Expert Tips to Speed Up Your Refund

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Internal Revenue Service has officially opened the 2022 tax-filing season, allowing Americans to submit their 2021 returns starting today. For those expecting a refund, experts say acting quickly and following key steps can significantly reduce wait times.

“The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll see your refund hit your bank account,” says Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt. “But one mistake can add weeks of delay, so accuracy is just as important as speed.”

How to Get Your Refast Refund

Tax professionals recommend three proven methods to accelerate refunds:

• File electronically. E-filing with tax software is faster than paper returns and automatically checks for errors.
• Opt for direct deposit. Refunds deposited directly into a bank account arrive in as little as 21 days, compared to 4–6 weeks for paper checks.
• Double-check your Social Security number and bank details. Small typos are the most common cause of processing holdups.

The IRS processes e-filed returns with direct deposit the fastest. In 2021, the average refund was about $2,800, and 9 out of 10 taxpayers received it in under three weeks when using these methods.

Background

The tax season start date marks the first day the IRS accepts and begins processing individual tax returns. This year’s opening was delayed slightly due to the agency’s need to update forms and systems for new tax laws enacted during the pandemic.

Historically, the IRS receives over 150 million individual returns each year, with the first few weeks seeing the heaviest volume. Early filers often get refunds faster because they avoid the mid-April rush when the system becomes more congested.

What This Means

For millions of Americans counting on their refund to pay bills, reduce debt, or cover rising costs due to inflation, every day counts. A faster refund can be a financial lifeline.

“This year, with prices climbing on everything from gas to groceries, getting your refund within three weeks instead of eight can make a real difference,” says Steber. “Don’t miss the chance to speed things up by filing wrong.”

The IRS also warns against refund scams. Any unsolicited call, text, or email claiming to be from the agency and asking for personal information is likely fraudulent. Official IRS communication is always by mail.

Key Takeaways

1. File now, but file right. Early e-filing with direct deposit is the fastest route.
2. Avoid paper returns. They take much longer and have higher error rates.
3. Use tax preparation software or a trusted professional to minimize mistakes.

The IRS begins accepting returns today, but refund issuance generally starts in mid-February. Taxpayers can track their refund status using the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov.

For a complete guide on what documents you need to gather before filing, see our background section above.