How long does it take to get your federal tax return back in the mail?

Unfortunately, it does take quite awhile for you to receive your federal tax returns back in the mail. Ideally, it roughly takes about 6-8 weeks for the IRS to send back your return in the form of a refund. Sometimes it takes even longer, or perhaps even shorter, depending on when you sent off your return in the first place. However, since we are approaching a more technologically-savvy world, taxes are starting to be done primarily via electronic means. This, without a doubt, shortens the duration for the IRS to return your tax return in the form of a refund as they can now be sent directly to you without having to send it though the United States Postal Service.