The IRS does not have a specific opening time for tax refunds at CDG or any other facility

CDG is the IRS's Criminal Investigation Division headquarters in Washington, D.C., not a refund processing center. The IRS processes tax refunds at multiple service centers across the country, and refunds are issued on a rolling basis throughout the year — not at a set time each day or week.

If you are tracking a refund you have already filed for, the IRS does not release refunds at a particular hour. Instead, refunds move through processing in batches, and the IRS updates your refund status once per day, usually overnight. The exact timing of that update varies by day and by processing center.

If you are looking for information about when your specific refund will arrive, the IRS Where's My Refund tool is the only source that tracks your individual return. That tool updates once daily, typically between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time, though the exact time shifts.

Key Takeaways

  • CDG is the IRS Criminal Investigation office in Washington, D.C., and does not process tax refunds.
  • The IRS processes refunds at service centers across the country on a rolling schedule, not at a set opening time.
  • The Where's My Refund tool updates your refund status once per day, usually overnight, but the exact time varies.
  • If your refund status has not changed in more than 21 days from the date you filed, contact the IRS directly rather than waiting for a specific update time.

How to track your refund instead of waiting for an opening time

Go to irs.gov/refunds and use the Where's My Refund tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool shows one of three statuses: "Return Received," "Refund Approved," or "Refund Sent."

The tool updates once daily. Most updates happen between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time, but this is not a may provide opening time — it shifts based on IRS processing volume. Checking at 8 a.m. or 3 p.m. will show you the same information as checking at midnight, since the update has already happened.

Do not refresh the tool repeatedly throughout the day expecting new information. One check per day is enough, and checking more often will not speed up your refund.

What the three refund statuses mean

Return Received means the IRS has your return but has not finished processing it. This status typically lasts one to two weeks. During this time, the IRS is checking your return for errors, verifying your identity, and reviewing any credits or deductions you claimed.

Refund Approved means the IRS has finished processing your return and has approved your refund amount. The refund is now in the queue to be sent. This status usually lasts three to five business days before the refund is actually sent.

Refund Sent means your refund has left the IRS and is on its way to you. If you chose direct deposit, the money should arrive in your bank account within one to two business days. If you chose a paper check, allow seven to ten business days from the "Refund Sent" date.

Why your refund might not show up on the expected date

The most common reason for a delayed refund is that the IRS needs more information from you. If your return is missing information, has math errors, or claims credits that need verification, the IRS will hold your refund until they can contact you. This can add two to four weeks to processing time.

Identity theft checks also delay refunds. If the IRS suspects fraud or if your Social Security number was used on another return, they will freeze your refund while they investigate. This process can take several weeks.

Bank account problems can also cause delays. If you chose direct deposit and your bank account number was incorrect, the refund will be rejected and the IRS will mail you a check instead. This adds another seven to ten days.

What to do if your refund is taking longer than expected

If your refund status has not changed in more than 21 days from the date you filed, contact the IRS directly. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready.

You can also visit an IRS Taxpayer information Center in person if you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face. Find your nearest center at irs.gov/help/contact-my-local-office. Bring your return, your Social Security card, and a photo ID.

If the IRS tells you your refund is held for review, ask what specific information they need from you. Some issues can be resolved in one phone call; others require you to mail in documents or sign a form.

Direct deposit versus paper check refunds

If you chose direct deposit on your return, your refund arrives faster — usually one to two business days after the "Refund Sent" status appears. The money goes directly into the bank account you listed on your return.

If you chose a paper check, the IRS mails it to the address on your return. Paper checks take seven to ten business days to arrive after the "Refund Sent" status appears. If you move before your refund arrives, the check will go to your old address, and you will need to contact the IRS to have it reissued.

If you filed your return without choosing either option, the IRS will mail you a paper check by default. This is the slowest option and can add an extra week to your wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the IRS process refunds on weekends or holidays?

No. The IRS processes refunds Monday through Friday only. If your refund status changes on a Friday, the money may not arrive in your bank account until the following Tuesday or Wednesday, since banks do not process deposits on weekends.

Can I call the IRS to speed up my refund?

No. Calling the IRS will not make your refund process faster. The only reason to call is if your refund is delayed beyond 21 days or if the Where's My Refund tool shows an error. The IRS processes refunds in the order they were received, and calling does not change that order.

What if I see an error in my refund amount?

If the Where's My Refund tool shows a refund amount that is different from what you expected, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Do not wait for the refund to arrive. The IRS may have found an error on your return or may need to verify information before releasing the full amount.

Can I change my refund to direct deposit if I already filed?

No. Once you file your return, you cannot change your refund delivery method. If you chose a paper check and want direct deposit instead, you will have to wait for the check to arrive, deposit it yourself, and then file an amended return for future years with your bank account information.