What the IRS Get My Payment tool does
The IRS Get My Payment tool is a free online tracker that shows you the status of a tax refund or a payment the IRS sent to you — usually a stimulus payment, advance child tax credit, or other direct payment. You enter basic information about yourself, and the tool tells you whether the payment was processed, when it was sent, and how it was delivered (direct deposit or mail).
This tool does not let you change your payment method, request a different delivery address, or speed up a payment that has not yet been sent. It only shows you what the IRS has already done or is planning to do. If you need to change how you receive a payment before it goes out, you will need to contact the IRS directly or file an amended return.
Key Takeaways
- Get My Payment shows the status of refunds and direct payments from the IRS, but only if the payment was issued after 2020.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address to check your payment status.
- The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in one day will show the same information.
- If the tool says your payment was mailed, allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery through the postal service.
- If you do not see a payment you expected, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or check your account on IRS.gov to see if there was an issue with your return.
How to access Get My Payment
Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get My Payment" or navigate directly to the tool through the IRS website. You do not need to create an account or log in with an existing IRS account. The tool is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When you open the page, you will see a prompt asking for three pieces of information: your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your street address as it appears on your most recent tax return. Enter these exactly as they appear on your return — if your address has changed since you filed, use the address from the return, not your current one. Click "Submit" and the tool will search for payments associated with that information.
If the information you enter does not match what the IRS has on file, the tool will tell you it cannot find a record. This usually means you entered something incorrectly, or the IRS has not yet processed your return. Try again with the exact spelling and format from your return.
What the payment status messages mean
The tool displays one of several status messages. "Payment Status Not Available" means the IRS has not yet processed your return or issued a payment. This is normal if you filed recently — the IRS typically takes 21 days to process a return and issue a refund, though it can take longer if your return requires review.
"Payment Scheduled" means the IRS has approved your refund or payment and will send it on a specific date shown on the screen. If the payment is scheduled for direct deposit, it will arrive in your bank account on or shortly after that date. If it is scheduled to be mailed, it will be sent on that date and arrive 7 to 10 business days later.
"Payment Sent" means the IRS has already issued the payment. The tool will show you the date it was sent and the method — either direct deposit or a check mailed to your address. If the payment was sent by direct deposit, it should have arrived in your account by now; if it was mailed, it is in transit and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days from the send date.
"Payment Returned" means the IRS attempted to send a direct deposit payment to your bank account, but the bank rejected it. This usually happens because the account number or routing number on your return was incorrect, or the account was closed. The IRS will mail a check to your address instead, which takes 7 to 10 business days. You can also contact the IRS to provide corrected banking information for future payments.
When to check and how often the tool updates
The Get My Payment tool updates once per day, typically between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time. Checking the tool multiple times in the same day will show you the same information. If you are waiting for a payment status to change, check once per day rather than repeatedly throughout the day.
If your return was recently filed or amended, wait at least 24 hours before checking the tool. The IRS needs time to process your return and generate payment information. If you filed more than 21 days ago and the tool still shows "Payment Status Not Available," your return may be under review or there may be an issue with it. Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to find out what is happening.
What to do if your payment is late or missing
If the tool shows a payment was sent but you have not received it after the expected timeframe, the first step depends on the delivery method. For direct deposit payments sent more than a few days ago, check your bank account to confirm the deposit did not arrive. Sometimes deposits post without a notification, or they may appear under a different description than you expect.
For mailed checks, wait the full 7 to 10 business days from the send date before assuming it is lost. Mail delivery times vary by location and season. If more than 10 business days have passed since the send date and you have not received the check, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have the information from the Get My Payment tool ready — the send date and the amount — so the IRS can investigate.
If the tool shows "Payment Returned" because your direct deposit was rejected, you have two options. You can wait for the IRS to mail a check to your address, or you can contact the IRS to provide corrected banking information so they can attempt the direct deposit again. Correcting the information and resubmitting usually takes several weeks, so mailing a check is often faster.
Payments the tool does not track
Get My Payment only tracks payments issued after 2020. If you are looking for a refund from a 2019 or earlier return, the tool will not show it. For older refunds, check your account on IRS.gov by logging in with your IRS username and password, or call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
The tool also does not track payments related to certain tax credits or deductions that are handled differently — for example, some education credits or energy credits may be processed separately. If you claimed a credit and are not sure whether Get My Payment will show it, contact the IRS directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create an IRS account to use Get My Payment?
No. Get My Payment is a free public tool that does not require you to log in or create an account. You only need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address.
Why does the tool say "Payment Status Not Available" when I know I am owed a refund?
The IRS has not yet processed your return or issued a payment. This is normal if you filed within the last 21 days. If you filed more than 21 days ago, your return may be under review or there may be an error on it. Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to check the status of your return.
Can I use Get My Payment to change my bank account or mailing address?
No. The tool only shows payment status; it does not allow you to make changes. If you need to update your banking information or address before a payment is sent, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or file an amended return.
How long does it take for a direct deposit payment to show up after Get My Payment says it was sent?
Direct deposits typically arrive within one to three business days of the send date shown in Get My Payment. Some banks post deposits overnight, while others take longer. If more than three business days have passed, check with your bank to confirm the deposit did not arrive under a different description.
What should I do if I think my payment was lost in the mail?
Wait the full 7 to 10 business days from the send date shown in Get My Payment. If you have not received the check after that time, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 with the send date and payment amount. The IRS can investigate and may issue a replacement check or attempt a direct deposit if you provide corrected banking information.