The standard timeline for your refund

If the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) owes you money, you will usually see it in your bank account within 2 to 4 weeks of the IRD receiving your tax return. The clock starts when they process your return, not when you file it. If you file early in the tax year (which runs from 1 April to 31 March), you may wait longer because the IRD processes returns in batches throughout the year.

The exact timing depends on how you file. Returns filed through myIR (the IRD's online portal) are processed faster than paper returns. Paper returns can take an additional 1 to 2 weeks just to be scanned and entered into the system before processing begins.

Once the IRD approves your refund, the money moves from their account to your bank. This bank-to-bank transfer usually takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on your bank. If your refund is large or your return is complex, the IRD may take longer to process it — sometimes up to 8 weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Most refunds arrive 2 to 4 weeks after the IRD receives and processes your return, not from the date you file it.
  • Returns filed through myIR are processed faster than paper returns, which must be scanned before processing can begin.
  • Once approved, the money takes 1 to 3 business days to transfer from the IRD to your bank account.
  • Complex returns or large refunds may take up to 8 weeks, and the IRD will contact you if they need more information.
  • You can check the status of your return in myIR at any time without waiting for a letter or email.

How to track your refund in myIR

You do not have to wait passively. Log into myIR with your IRD number and password, then select "Tax returns" and find the year you filed. The status will show whether your return is being processed, approved, or ready to pay. If it says "Approved" but the money has not arrived, check that your bank account details are correct in myIR — an incorrect account number is the most common reason refunds are delayed.

If the status shows "More information needed", the IRD will have sent you a message in myIR explaining what they need. Respond quickly: every day you delay pushes your refund further back in the queue. The IRD does not hold your refund while waiting — they straightforward pause processing until you reply.

Why some refunds take longer

A straightforward return from an employee with one income source usually processes in the 2 to 4 week window. But if you are self-employed, have multiple income sources, claimed deductions the IRD wants to verify, or made a significant error on your return, processing slows down. The IRD's compliance team may review your return manually, which can add 2 to 4 weeks.

If you claimed Working for Families tax credits, your refund may be held until the IRD has processed all returns for the tax year, because they reconcile credits across the system. This typically happens in June or July, even if you filed in April.

Large refunds — generally over $5,000 — sometimes trigger a secondary review. This is not a sign of a problem; it is standard procedure. The IRD will contact you if they need anything.

Refunds during peak filing periods

The busiest filing period is April to June, when most people file their returns. During these months, even straightforward returns can take 4 to 6 weeks instead of 2 to 4 weeks, straightforward because the IRD is processing thousands of returns daily. If you file in July or August, processing is usually faster because fewer people are filing.

If you file very late — after 31 March of the following year — you may face a penalty, and the IRD may delay your refund while they assess whether the late filing was justified. Filing on time protects both your refund timeline and your record with the IRD.

What happens if your refund does not arrive

If 4 weeks have passed since the IRD received your return and myIR still shows "Approved", contact your bank first. Ask them to search for any incoming transfer from the IRD in the last 5 business days. If your bank has not received it, contact the IRD directly through myIR or by phone (0800 227 774). Have your IRD number and the date you filed ready.

If your bank account details in myIR are wrong, the IRD can reissue the refund to the correct account, but this adds another 1 to 3 weeks. Update your account details in myIR as soon as you notice the error.

If your return is still showing as "Being processed" after 8 weeks, the IRD is likely reviewing it. Check myIR for any messages asking for more information, and respond when ready if you find any.

Refunds for people who use a tax agent

If a tax agent filed your return on your behalf, the timeline is the same — 2 to 4 weeks from when the IRD receives it. However, some tax agents request that refunds be paid to their trust account first, then forwarded to you. This adds 3 to 5 business days. Ask your tax agent whether they do this and whether they charge a fee for the service.

You can still track your refund in myIR even if a tax agent filed your return. Your agent should also send you updates, but myIR is the official source of truth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my refund faster if I pay for express processing?

No. The IRD does not offer paid express processing for tax refunds. All refunds are processed in the order they are received, regardless of how much money is involved. The only way to speed things up is to file early and make sure your return is complete and accurate so it does not need a secondary review.

What if I filed my return but have not received a confirmation from the IRD?

Log into myIR and check the status of your return. If it shows "Received" or "Being processed", the IRD has it. If you filed on paper and it has been more than 2 weeks, contact the IRD to confirm they received it — paper returns can occasionally go missing in the post.

Do I have to wait for a letter from the IRD before my refund is paid?

No. The IRD pays refunds as soon as they approve your return, usually without sending a letter first. You will see the money in your bank account before any official letter arrives. You can check myIR at any time to see if your refund has been approved and paid.

What if I made a mistake on my return after I filed it?

If you notice an error before the IRD processes your return, log into myIR and amend it. If the IRD has already processed it, you will need to file an amended return (IR7R form) after you receive your refund. This may result in a smaller refund or a bill, depending on the error.

Can the IRD hold my refund if I owe money from a previous year?

Yes. If you owe the IRD money from a previous tax year, they may offset your refund against that debt before paying you. The IRD will notify you in myIR if this is happening. Contact them if you believe the debt is incorrect.