How to learn about a refund or payment is coming from the IRS

The IRS sends money to taxpayers in three main situations: tax refunds after you file, advance payments on the Child Tax Credit, and Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) during national emergencies. To learn about money is coming to you, you need to check the IRS website directly using your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return.

The fastest way is the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool at irs.gov. It updates every 24 hours and tells you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, has approved your refund, or has sent it. If you filed electronically, you'll see updates sooner than if you mailed a paper return.

You can also call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. Wait times are often long, especially during tax season (January through May), so the online tool is usually faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool at irs.gov with your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount to check the status of a tax refund.
  • The tool updates once every 24 hours and shows whether your return was received, is being processed, has been approved, or has been sent.
  • Paper returns take longer to process than e-filed returns — typically 21 days or more compared to 21 days or fewer for electronic filing.
  • If the IRS sent you an Economic Impact Payment or Child Tax Credit advance, you can check the status of those payments separately on the IRS website.
  • The IRS does not send unsolicited checks or payments — if you did not file a return or claim a credit, no payment is coming.

What the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool tells you

The tool shows your refund in one of four stages. "Return received" means the IRS has your return but hasn't started processing it yet. "Return approved" means the IRS has reviewed your return and approved your refund amount. "Refund sent" means the IRS has issued the payment — either by direct deposit or check — and gives you the date it was sent.

If you chose direct deposit, the money usually arrives within one to two business days after the IRS sends it. If you're receiving a check by mail, it can take two to three weeks after the IRS sends it, depending on postal service delays. The tool does not tell you the exact date the money will hit your bank account, only the date the IRS released it.

If the tool says "Return received" but you filed weeks ago, the IRS is still processing. During tax season, processing can take longer than the standard 21 days, especially if your return needs manual review because of math errors, missing information, or claimed credits that require verification.

Why the IRS might be holding your refund

The IRS delays refunds for several reasons. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS is required by law to hold your refund until at least February 15, even if your return is complete and correct. This is a standard delay, not a problem with your return.

The IRS also holds refunds when it detects a potential issue: a math error on your return, a missing or mismatched Social Security number, income reported on a 1099 form that doesn't match what you reported, or a claimed credit that requires verification. If this happens, the IRS will mail you a letter explaining what they need. You do not need to do anything until you receive the letter.

Identity theft and fraud checks can also delay refunds. If the IRS suspects your return might be fraudulent, it will hold the refund while it investigates. This is rare but can add weeks or months to processing time. The IRS will contact you by mail if this is happening.

Checking on Economic Impact Payments and Child Tax Credit advances

If you received stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, you can check the status of those payments using the IRS "Get My Payment" tool, which was available through 2021. That tool is no longer active, but you can find information about past payments on your IRS account at irs.gov/account.

If you received advance payments of the Child Tax Credit in 2021, the IRS sent those monthly from July through December. You can see how much you received by logging into your IRS account or by checking the letter the IRS mailed you after the payments ended. This information is important because you need to report it when you file your 2021 tax return to make sure your final credit is correct.

What to do if the tool shows no refund coming

If you filed a return and the "Where's My Refund?" tool says it has no record of your return, the IRS may not have received it yet. If you mailed a paper return, allow at least four weeks before checking. If you filed electronically, allow at least 24 hours.

If more time has passed and the tool still shows nothing, your return may have been lost in the mail or rejected during electronic filing. Check your email for any rejection notices if you filed electronically. If you mailed a paper return, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm whether they received it. Have a copy of your return and your Social Security number ready.

If you did not file a return at all, no refund is coming. The IRS does not send unsolicited payments. You must file a return to receive a refund, even if your income was low or you had no tax liability.

Direct deposit versus check refunds

If you chose direct deposit on your return, your refund arrives faster — usually one to two business days after the IRS releases it. The money goes directly into the bank account you listed on your return. Make sure the account number and routing number you entered are correct, because the IRS cannot redirect a payment if it goes to the wrong account.

If you're receiving a check, the IRS mails it to the address on your return. Checks can take two to three weeks to arrive after the IRS sends them, and longer if your address is hard to reach or if mail is delayed. If you move after filing, you can update your address with the IRS, but it's faster to have the refund direct-deposited if you file again next year.

You can change your refund method only before the IRS releases your payment. Once the refund is sent, you cannot switch from check to direct deposit or vice versa.

How long processing takes at different times of year

The IRS processes returns faster outside of tax season. If you file in June or later, your return usually processes within 21 days. If you file during tax season (January through April), processing can take longer — sometimes 30 to 45 days or more — because the IRS receives millions of returns at once.

Returns that require manual review take longer. If you claimed certain credits, reported self-employment income, or had other complex items on your return, the IRS may need to verify information before approving your refund. These returns can take 60 days or longer.

The "Where's My Refund?" tool is the most reliable way to track your specific return. The IRS website also publishes weekly updates on how many returns they've processed and average processing times, but your individual return may process faster or slower than the average.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my refund faster if I call the IRS?

No. Calling the IRS does not speed up processing. The IRS processes returns in the order they receive them, and calling only tells you the status you can already see online. The "Where's My Refund?" tool is faster than calling, and the IRS hotline wait times are often 30 minutes or longer during tax season.

What if the IRS says my refund was sent but I never received it?

If the tool says "Refund sent" but you haven't received the money, wait the full time for your delivery method: one to two business days for direct deposit, two to three weeks for a check. If that time has passed, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with the date the refund was sent. The IRS can investigate whether the payment was lost or sent to the wrong account.

Do I need to do anything if my refund is delayed?

No, unless the IRS mails you a letter asking for more information. If the tool shows your return is still being processed, you do not need to contact the IRS. If you receive a letter, follow the instructions in the letter and send back any documents the IRS requests. Delays are normal during tax season.

Can I check someone else's refund status?

No. The IRS will only show refund information to the person whose Social Security number is on the return. You cannot check a spouse's, child's, or anyone else's refund status, even if you filed jointly or on their behalf. Each person must check their own status using their own Social Security number.

What if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?

If you owe taxes, the IRS will not send you money. Instead, your return will show a balance due. You can pay the IRS online, by phone, or by mail. If you cannot pay the full amount, you can set up a payment plan. The IRS website has payment options at irs.gov/payments.