The IRS has three ways to check your refund: their website, a phone line, and a mobile app
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) lets you track a federal tax refund using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, by calling 1-800-829-1954, or through the IRS2Go mobile app. All three methods show the same information: whether the IRS has received your return, whether it's being processed, and the expected deposit date once approved. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return to use any of these tools.
The IRS updates refund status once per day, usually overnight. If you filed electronically, you can typically check status within 24 hours of filing. If you mailed a paper return, wait at least four weeks before checking, because the IRS needs time to receive and scan it into their system.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your federal refund status on IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1954, or through the IRS2Go app — all three show the same information.
- The IRS updates refund status once per day, so checking multiple times in the same day will show no change.
- If you filed electronically, you can check within 24 hours; if you mailed a paper return, wait at least four weeks.
- Most refunds are deposited within 21 days of the IRS approving your return, but this varies based on your bank and the time of year.
- State tax refunds are tracked separately through your state's revenue or tax department, not the IRS.
Using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" Tool Online
Go to IRS.gov and look for the "Where's My Refund?" link on the homepage. Enter your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount shown on your tax return. The tool will display one of three statuses: "Return Received," "Refund Approved," or "Refund Sent."
"Return Received" means the IRS has scanned your return into their system but hasn't started processing it yet. "Refund Approved" means they've reviewed it, found no issues, and are preparing to send the money. "Refund Sent" means the refund has been released to your bank or is in the mail if you requested a paper check.
The tool also shows an expected deposit date once your refund moves to "Refund Approved" status. This date is usually accurate within a few days, though delays can happen if your bank processes deposits slowly or if there are banking holidays.
Calling the IRS Refund Hotline
Call 1-800-829-1954 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. An automated system will ask you to enter this information using your phone keypad, then tell you your refund status.
Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During peak tax season (February through April), the line can have long hold times. If you reach a live representative, they can answer questions about delays or problems with your return, but they cannot speed up processing.
Tracking Your Refund Through the IRS2Go Mobile App
Download the IRS2Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Open it and select "Where's My Refund?" Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. The app shows the same status information as the website and phone line, and you can check it anytime without waiting on hold.
The app also sends push notifications when your refund status changes, so you don't have to check manually. This can be useful if you're waiting for approval and want to know the moment it happens. Notifications are optional — you can turn them off in the app settings if you prefer.
What to Do If Your Refund Is Delayed
If your refund is still showing "Return Received" after six weeks, or if the expected deposit date has passed and the money hasn't arrived, contact the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1954 or visit an IRS office in person. Bring copies of your tax return and any correspondence from the IRS.
Common reasons for delays include math errors on your return, missing information (like a signature or Social Security number), or a mismatch between your return and IRS records. The IRS will tell you what the problem is and what you need to do to fix it. If the delay is the IRS's error, they may add interest to your refund.
If your refund was approved and the deposit date has passed but the money hasn't hit your bank account, contact your bank first. Sometimes deposits take longer than expected, especially if you filed late in the tax season or if your bank processes deposits on a delay. Your bank can tell you whether the deposit is pending or if there's a problem with your account information.
Tracking State Tax Refunds Separately
Your state tax refund is tracked through your state's revenue or tax department, not the IRS. Each state has its own website and phone number for refund tracking. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find the right tool.
State refunds often take longer than federal refunds because states process returns on their own schedule. Some states deposit refunds within two to three weeks; others take six weeks or more. If you filed your federal and state returns together, your state return may not start processing until after the IRS finishes with your federal return.
What Information You Need to Check Your Refund
| Information Needed | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Social Security Number | Your Social Security card or any tax document with your SSN |
| Filing Status | Your tax return (line 1 shows: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or may have access to Widow/Widower) |
| Exact Refund Amount | Your tax return (the refund amount is on the last line of the return) |
Make sure you enter the refund amount exactly as it appears on your return. If you enter $2,500 but your actual refund is $2,501, the tool will not recognize it and will ask you to try again. The amount must match to the dollar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a tax refund after it's approved?
Once the IRS approves your refund, it typically takes three to five business days to reach your bank account if you chose direct deposit. If you requested a paper check, it can take two to three weeks to arrive by mail. Timing varies based on your bank and the time of year.
Can I check my refund status if I filed a joint return with my spouse?
Yes. Use either spouse's Social Security number to check the status. The refund information is the same regardless of whose SSN you enter. If you need to know whose name the refund will be deposited under, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1954 and ask.
What does it mean if the tool says "Return Received" but it's been weeks?
The IRS is still processing your return. During peak tax season, this can take four to six weeks. If it's been longer than six weeks, call 1-800-829-1954 to ask if there's a problem with your return that's causing the delay.
Will checking my refund status multiple times slow down processing?
No. Checking your status does not affect how fast the IRS processes your return. You can check as often as you want without any impact on timing.
What if I filed my taxes through a tax preparation company or software?
Use the same IRS tools — "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov, the phone line, or the IRS2Go app. The company that prepared your return does not track it; only the IRS does. Some tax software companies offer their own tracking tools, but they pull information from the IRS, so the status will be the same.