Q: I don’t want to wait to get my tax refund this year. How can I get it faster?

A: There are a number of things you can do to ensure your tax refund comes as quickly as possible. While you may not be able to complete every step, each piece reduces overall time.

File early. You can file your taxes as early as January 1, but filing any time before April will reduce the number of returns in the queue and hasten processing.

Use electronic filing. There is no excuse not to transmit your return to the IRS electronically:

• Most tax preparers offer free e-filing services. See this page to find a preparer near you.
• If you use tax preparation software, e-filing is built in.
• Those with adjusted gross incomes of $58,000 or less can use the IRS Free File program: free preparation and e-filing through various online programs.
• Use Free File Fillable Forms to transmit hand-calculated returns.

Electronic returns are checked for basic errors (think math and income data) as they are completed. If you have an error, your return will be kicked back to you right away so you can correct and re-file immediately.

Set up electronic deposit. Give the IRS your bank info, and they’ll pop your refund right into your checking or savings account.

Check out the status of your refund on the IRS Refund Status page. Information is available starting about 72 hours after your e-filed return is processed, or 3 to 4 weeks after the mailing date for paper returns.