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How Fast Do You Get Your Refund with the Emerald Card?

Published in Tax Refund Timing 3 mins read

You can generally expect your tax refund on your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® within 21 days after the IRS accepts your electronically filed tax return.

Receiving your tax refund quickly on your Emerald Card depends primarily on two factors: how you file your tax return and the IRS's processing timeline.

Understanding the Refund Timeline

When you choose to receive your tax refund on a prepaid debit card like the H&R Block Emerald Card, or even directly into a personal bank account, the key to a swift deposit is electronic filing.

  • Electronic Filing is Key: For the fastest refunds, always file your tax return electronically. Paper-filed returns take significantly longer to process.
  • IRS Acceptance is the Starting Point: The 21-day timeframe begins after the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officially accepts your tax return, not from the day you submit it. There can be a short delay between filing and acceptance as the IRS performs initial checks.

Factors Influencing Your Refund Speed

While 21 days is the general expectation, various factors can influence the actual speed of your refund:

  • IRS Processing Times: The IRS processes millions of returns, and unforeseen delays can occur, especially during peak tax season.
  • Accuracy of Your Return: Errors or discrepancies in your tax return can lead to delays as the IRS may need to review it manually or request additional information.
  • Tax Credits Claimed: Returns claiming certain refundable credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), might experience slightly longer processing times due to IRS fraud prevention measures.

How to Check Your Refund Status

To stay informed about your refund's progress, it's highly recommended to track it directly with the IRS. You can typically do this:

  • Online: Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on their official website. You'll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return.
  • IRS2Go Mobile App: The IRS also offers a mobile application for checking refund status.

The IRS updates their refund status tool once a day, usually overnight. It will show you one of three stages: "Return Received," "Refund Approved," and "Refund Sent." Once your refund status changes to "Refund Sent," it should be deposited onto your Emerald Card shortly thereafter, often within a few business days.

Here's a quick summary of the expected timeframe for refunds deposited to your Emerald Card:

Filing Method Refund Destination Expected Timeframe Important Note
Electronic Filing H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard® Within 21 days after IRS acceptance Track status via IRS website