According to the IRS, most refunds are issued within 21 days for taxpayers who e-filed and who are having their refund directly deposited. Refunds take up to six weeks if you submitted paper returns. Claiming certain credits or deductions might delay your refund. You can check the status of your refund on the IRS “Where’s My Refund” website.

Each year, you’re required to file your federal income tax return for the previous calendar year by Tax Day. Usually, the filing deadline is on or around April 15, though if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday the deadline can be bumped to the next business day.

To claim your child as your dependent, your child must meet either the qualifying child test or the qualifying relative test: To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you and either younger than 19 years old or be a "student" younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar year. There's no age limit if your child is "permanently and totally disabled" or meets the qualifying relative test.

Each year, the IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed expenses for qualifying medical expenses if they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). These expenses can come from: Preventative care Medical treatments Surgeries Dental and vision care Psychologist and psychiatrist visits Prescription medications Prescription appliances (glasses or contacts, false teeth, hearing aids, etc.) Travel expenses paid to receive this medical care (mileage, bus fare, and parking fees) How much you can deduct depends on your income and whether you itemize your deductions.