What the IRS "Get My Payment" tool does

Get My Payment is a tool on IRS.gov that shows you the status of a tax refund or an economic impact payment (stimulus check). It tells you whether the IRS has processed your payment, when it was sent, and how it was delivered — by direct deposit to your bank account or by mail as a check or debit card.

The tool works for refunds from your tax return and for stimulus payments issued during economic relief periods. It does not handle other types of IRS payments, such as child tax credit payments or advance payments on other credits.

You can check the status without logging in, though you will need basic information about yourself and your return to search.

Key Takeaways

  • Get My Payment shows refund status and delivery method, but only after the IRS has processed your return — typically within 21 days of filing electronically.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address to search for your payment status.
  • If the tool says your payment was sent by direct deposit, check your bank account; if by mail, allow extra time for postal delivery.
  • The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in the same day will show the same information.
  • If Get My Payment shows no record of your payment after 21 days, contact the IRS directly or file Form 3911 to report a missing refund.

How to use Get My Payment on IRS.gov

Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get My Payment" or navigate to the tool directly. You do not need to create an account or log in.

Enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and the street address from your tax return. The tool will search for any refund or stimulus payment associated with that information. Results appear immediately, though the data refreshes once per day.

The tool will show one of three statuses: the payment has been processed and sent, the payment is still being processed, or no record of a payment was found. If your payment has been sent, the tool displays the delivery method and, for direct deposits, the last four digits of the account where it was sent.

What to do if the tool shows your payment was mailed

If Get My Payment says your refund or stimulus payment was mailed as a check or debit card, allow time for postal delivery. A check typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after the IRS sends it, though delivery can take longer depending on your location and current mail volume.

If more than two weeks have passed since the tool showed your payment was mailed and you have not received it, check your mailbox carefully — the envelope may look like routine mail. If you still do not see it after three weeks, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or file Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to report the missing payment.

Do not assume the payment is lost immediately. Postal delays are common, especially during high-volume periods.

What to do if the tool shows direct deposit

If Get My Payment says your refund was sent by direct deposit, check your bank account on the date shown or shortly after. Direct deposits typically post within one to two business days of the IRS sending them, though some banks process them faster.

If the deposit does not appear after three business days, contact your bank to confirm they received the transfer. Provide the bank with the refund amount and the date the IRS said it was sent. Banks can trace incoming transfers and tell you whether the deposit arrived on their end.

If your bank confirms they never received the deposit, or if the amount is wrong, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your refund information. You may need to file Form 3911 to document the issue.

Why the tool shows "still being processed"

If Get My Payment says your payment is still being processed, the IRS has received your return but has not finished reviewing it. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem.

Most returns filed electronically are processed within 21 days. Paper returns take longer — typically four to six weeks. The tool will update once per day, usually overnight, so check back the next day if you are near the end of the processing window.

If your return is taking longer than expected, it may be held for review due to missing information, a mismatch in your records, or a high volume of returns. The IRS will contact you by mail if they need additional information from you.

When Get My Payment shows no record

If the tool finds no record of your payment after 21 days, the IRS may not have processed your return yet, or there may be an issue with how you entered your information.

First, double-check that you entered your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address exactly as they appear on your tax return. Even small differences — like a middle initial or apartment number — can cause the search to fail.

If the information is correct and more than 21 days have passed since you filed, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. They can look up your return manually and tell you what is holding up your payment. You may also file Form 3911 to report a missing refund and request an investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Get My Payment update?

The tool updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern time. Checking multiple times in the same day will show the same information, so there is no benefit to refreshing constantly. Check back the next day if you want to see new information.

Can I use Get My Payment to check on a payment for someone else?

No. Get My Payment requires the Social Security number and personal information of the person whose payment you are checking on. If you are a tax professional or representative, you will need to use a different IRS tool or contact the IRS directly with proper authorization.

What if my direct deposit was sent to the wrong bank account?

Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 as soon as possible. If the deposit went to an account you do not have access to, the IRS may be able to issue a replacement payment by check. You will need to provide proof of the error and your correct banking information. This process can take several weeks.

Does Get My Payment work for child tax credit payments or other credits?

No. Get My Payment only tracks tax refunds and stimulus payments. For information about other types of payments — such as child tax credit advance payments or recovery rebate credits — you will need to contact the IRS directly or check your tax account on IRS.gov.

What should I do if Get My Payment says my payment was sent but I never received it?

For mailed checks or debit cards, wait at least three weeks before reporting it missing. For direct deposits, wait three business days and check with your bank. If the payment still has not arrived, file Form 3911 with the IRS or call 800-829-1040 to report it and request an investigation.