Direct Deposit. If you choose direct deposit when you e-file your tax return, you can expect a federal return to take two weeks, if you file before the April deadline. Some state returns may take as long as two weeks, but some can come as early as a week after submitting the return.ave. IPGGutenbergUKLtd/iStock/Getty Images. After you e-file your tax returns, you anticipate the arrival of your refund so that you can pay bills or have some spending money. The time that it takes for a refund to arrive depends on such factors as whether you use direct deposit or elect to receive a check by mail.