How to track your refund using the IRS website

The IRS has a tool called Where's My Refund? that shows you the status of your federal tax refund in real time. You reach it at irs.gov/refunds. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your tax return.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. It tells you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, whether it has been approved, and the date the money will hit your bank account or arrive by mail. If you chose direct deposit, the refund goes to the account you listed on your return. If you chose a check, the tool will tell you when it was mailed.

You can check as often as you want — checking multiple times per day will not speed up processing. The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, and most take 21 days from the date you filed, though some take longer if the return needs review.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds is the official source and updates once daily with your refund status.
  • You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to use the tool.
  • Most refunds arrive within 21 days of filing, but returns selected for review or with errors take longer.
  • If your refund does not arrive by the date the IRS gave you, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it.

What the refund status messages mean

When you check Where's My Refund?, you will see one of several messages. "Return received" means the IRS got your return and it is in the queue to be processed. "Return approved" means the IRS has finished reviewing it and approved your refund. "Refund sent" means the money has been released — if you chose direct deposit, it is on its way to your bank; if you chose a check, it has been mailed.

Sometimes you will see "Return under review" or "Additional information needed." This means the IRS flagged something on your return — a math error, a missing form, income that does not match what employers reported, or a claim that needs verification. The tool will tell you what information they need. You may have to mail documents or respond through your IRS online account. This step adds weeks to processing time.

If you see no status at all, your return may not have been received yet, or there may be a delay in the system updating. Wait 24 hours and check again. If more than a week has passed since you filed and you still see nothing, contact the IRS.

Tracking a refund by mail or phone

If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, you can reach the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The IRS also has a text message service: text "REFUND" to 202-566-1000 from any phone, and they will send you a link to check your status.

If you filed a paper return and chose to receive your refund by check, you can also track the check through the U.S. Postal Service if the IRS has mailed it. The Where's My Refund tool will give you the mailing date. Go to usps.com and enter the mailing date to see if the check has been delivered.

What to do if your refund is delayed

The IRS says most refunds arrive within 21 days, but this is not a may provide. Returns filed early in the tax season (January and February) usually process faster than those filed in March or April. Returns that trigger review or that claim certain credits — like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit — often take longer.

If the date the IRS gave you has passed and your refund has not arrived, first check Where's My Refund? again to see if the status has changed. If the tool still shows "Refund sent" but the money has not hit your account, wait three to five more business days — bank processing can add time. If you chose a check and it has not arrived after two weeks from the mailing date, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and report it as missing.

If the tool shows "Return under review" or "Additional information needed," you cannot speed up the process, but you can respond to the IRS request as soon as possible. The sooner you send what they ask for, the sooner they can finish and release your refund.

Direct deposit versus check: which arrives faster

Direct deposit is faster. If you chose direct deposit on your return, the refund typically arrives in your bank account within 21 days of filing. If you chose a check, add another week or two for mailing and postal delivery. Some people do not receive checks for four to six weeks after filing.

Direct deposit also reduces the risk of a lost or stolen check. If you filed by mail and did not provide bank account information, you will receive a check. If you file electronically, you can choose direct deposit at the time of filing. You will need your bank routing number and account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.

Refunds and tax credits: why some take longer

If your return includes the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), or the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the IRS holds your entire refund until February 15 at the earliest, even if you filed in January. This is a federal rule, not a processing delay. The IRS does this to prevent fraud. After February 15, these returns move into normal processing, which adds another 21 days or more.

If you claimed the EITC or ACTC and filed early, you will see your refund status in Where's My Refund?, but the release date will be after February 15. Do not be alarmed — this is normal. The tool will show you the exact date your refund will be released.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track my state tax refund the same way?

No. Each state has its own tax agency and its own tracking system. Go to your state's department of revenue or taxation website and look for a refund tracker. Some states use similar tools to the IRS; others require you to enter different information. Your state refund may arrive before or after your federal refund.

What if I filed jointly with my spouse — can we both check the status?

Yes, but you both need the same information: the Social Security number of the person whose name appears first on the return, the filing status, and the refund amount. Either spouse can check using this information. The status will be the same regardless of who checks.

Why does Where's My Refund say my refund was sent but I haven't received it?

If you chose direct deposit, allow three to five business days after the "Refund sent" date for the money to appear in your bank account. Banks process deposits on their own schedule. If you chose a check, allow two to three weeks from the mailing date for postal delivery. If more time has passed, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Can I cancel my refund or change where it goes after I file?

You cannot cancel a refund once the IRS has received your return. If you need to change your bank account or mailing address, contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040. They can sometimes update your information before the refund is released, but only if you call before the money is sent.

What should I do if Where's My Refund shows an error or says my information is wrong?

Do not ignore this message. It usually means the IRS could not match your information to their records, or there is a discrepancy on your return. Call 1-800-829-1040 right away. Have your return and any documents you filed with it available. The IRS will tell you what is wrong and what you need to do to fix it.