How to Check Your Tax Refund Status With the IRS

The IRS has a tool called "Where's My Refund?" that shows you the status of your return and when the money will arrive

Where's My Refund? is the official IRS tracker. You enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return, and the tool tells you whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has sent the money to your bank. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in a single day will not show new information.

You can reach Where's My Refund? at IRS.gov, or through the IRS2Go mobile app. Both are free. The tool works for federal returns only — it does not track state refunds, which each state handles separately.

The information you need to use the tool is on your tax return itself: your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, and so on), and the refund amount you claimed. If you filed electronically, you should have this information in your email confirmation or in your tax software account. If you filed on paper, check your copy of the return you mailed.

Key Takeaways

Where's My Refund? updates once per day and shows whether your return is being processed, approved, or sent to your bank.
You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to check your status.
The tool covers federal refunds only; state refunds are tracked through your state's tax agency.
If Where's My Refund? shows an error message or does not recognize your return, your return may still be in the mail or may need correction.
The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receipt, but some returns take longer if they are selected for review or contain errors.

What the status messages mean

Where's My Refund? displays one of three main statuses. Return Received means the IRS has your return but is still processing it — this is the first stage and usually lasts a few days to a week. Approved means the IRS has finished reviewing your return and approved the refund amount; the money is being prepared to send to your bank. Sent means the IRS has released the money; the tool will show the expected deposit date.

If you chose direct deposit on your return, the money goes to the bank account you listed. The IRS sends the funds to your bank, but your bank controls when the money appears in your account — this can take one to five business days after the IRS sends it. If you chose a paper check, the tool will show the date the check was mailed, and you should receive it within two weeks of that date.

Some returns show a status of Still Being Processed with a message that the IRS needs more time. This usually means your return was selected for review, contains an error that needs correction, or is part of a batch that is taking longer than average. The message will sometimes include a date by which you should expect an update.

When Where's My Refund? does not find your return

If you enter your information and the tool says it cannot find your return, the most common reason is that your return has not yet reached the IRS system — this happens if you filed very recently or if your return is still in the mail. The IRS typically receives electronically filed returns within 24 hours and paper returns within two to three weeks. Wait a few days and try again.

A second reason is that you entered information incorrectly. Double-check that your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount match exactly what is on your return. Even a one-digit error will cause the tool to say it cannot find your return. If you filed jointly, make sure you are using the correct Social Security number for the primary taxpayer listed on the return.

If you have waited more than three weeks since you mailed a paper return, or more than one week since you filed electronically, and Where's My Refund? still cannot find it, contact the IRS directly. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the main customer service line) or use the IRS's callback system on IRS.gov to request a call instead of waiting on hold.

Refunds that are delayed or stuck in review

The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receipt, but some take longer. Returns are delayed most often because they are selected for examination (the IRS's term for a review or audit), because they contain math errors or missing information, or because they claim certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit that the IRS reviews more carefully.

If your return is in examination, Where's My Refund? may show a message saying the IRS is reviewing your return and will contact you if they need more information. You do not need to do anything unless the IRS sends you a letter. If you receive a letter, it will explain what documents or information the IRS needs and will give you a deadline to respond. Keep that letter and follow its instructions exactly.

If Where's My Refund? shows your refund was approved and sent, but you have not received the money after the expected deposit date has passed, wait five more business days (the IRS's estimate for bank processing). If the money still has not arrived, contact your bank to confirm the deposit was not rejected or sent to the wrong account. Then contact the IRS if your bank confirms the money was never received.

State refunds and separate tracking

Where's My Refund? tracks your federal refund only. If you filed a state tax return and are owed a state refund, you will need to check your state's tax agency website. Most states have their own refund tracking tools, and the process is similar: you enter your Social Security number and refund amount, and the tool shows you the status.

State refunds are processed on a different schedule than federal refunds. Some states process refunds faster than the IRS; others take longer. If you filed both federal and state returns at the same time, your state refund may arrive before, after, or at the same time as your federal refund.

To find your state's refund tracker, search "[your state] tax refund status" or visit your state's department of revenue or taxation website. The link is usually on the homepage under "Check Refund Status" or "Refund Information."

What to do if there is an error on your return

If Where's My Refund? shows your return was received but then the status does not change for more than 21 days, or if you receive a letter from the IRS saying there is an error on your return, you may need to file an amended return or provide additional information.

If the IRS found a math error, they will usually correct it themselves and send you a notice explaining the change. If they found a missing form or signature, they will send you a letter asking you to provide it. Follow the instructions in the letter exactly, including any deadline.

If you discover an error on your return before the IRS contacts you, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. This is a separate return that corrects the original one. You can file Form 1040-X electronically through tax software or by mail. Filing an amended return will delay your refund, so only do this if you believe the IRS will catch the error anyway or if the error is in your favor (meaning you are owed more money).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a refund after Where's My Refund? shows "Sent"?

If you chose direct deposit, the IRS sends the money to your bank, and your bank deposits it within one to five business days. If you chose a paper check, you should receive it within two weeks of the date shown in Where's My Refund?. Weekends and holidays do not count as business days.

Can I check my refund status without a Social Security number?

No. Where's My Refund? requires your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. If you do not have access to this information, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to a representative who can look up your return using other identifying information.

What if my refund amount is different from what I expected?

The IRS may have corrected an error on your return, applied your refund to a past-due debt, or withheld money for other reasons. Where's My Refund? shows the amount the IRS is sending, but not always why it changed. If the amount is significantly different, check any letter the IRS sent you, or call 1-800-829-1040 to ask why.

Does Where's My Refund? work if I filed through a tax preparer or software company?

Yes. Where's My Refund? tracks your federal return regardless of how you filed it. You will need the same information: your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. Your tax preparer or software company should have given you a confirmation with this information.

What if I filed my return but never received a confirmation?

If you filed electronically, you should have received an email confirmation within 24 hours. Check your spam folder. If you filed on paper, you will not receive a confirmation unless you included a Form 8453 (the IRS's transmittal form for paper returns). In either case, you can try using Where's My Refund? after waiting a few days for your return to reach the IRS system.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.