What to Do When Your Tax Refund Doesn't Arrive

Check the status of your refund before taking action

The IRS provides a free tool called Where's My Refund? that tells you exactly where your refund is in the process. You can access it on IRS.gov without logging in — you only need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return. This tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in a single day will not show new information.

If Where's My Refund? shows your refund is still being processed, the IRS is working on it and you do not need to contact them yet. The tool will tell you the expected deposit date once the refund moves to the next stage. If the tool shows an error message or says it cannot find your return, that signals a real problem that needs investigation.

Keep in mind that the IRS processes millions of returns, and processing times vary depending on whether your return was filed electronically or by mail, whether it contained errors, and the current volume of returns in the system. A return filed by mail takes longer than one filed electronically.

Key Takeaways

Use Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov first — it is the official source and updates daily with your refund status.
If the tool shows your refund is still processing, wait for the date it provides rather than contacting the IRS.
If Where's My Refund? cannot find your return or shows an error, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to find out what happened.
Refunds sent by mail take longer than those deposited directly to a bank account, sometimes by several weeks.
If your refund was deposited to the wrong account, the IRS can issue a new check, but you will need to report the error within a specific timeframe.

What to do if Where's My Refund? shows an error or cannot find your return

If the tool displays a message that it cannot locate your return, your return may not have been received or processed yet. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. The IRS representative can tell you whether your return was received and what stage it is in.

If the tool shows an error code or message about a problem with your return, write down the exact message and call the IRS with that information. Common issues include a mismatch between the name on your return and the name on file with the Social Security Administration, a missing or incorrect Social Security number, or a duplicate return filed under your name. The IRS can explain what the error is and what you need to do to fix it.

Refunds sent by mail versus direct deposit

If you requested your refund by check instead of direct deposit, it will take longer to arrive. The IRS mails checks in batches, and mail delivery adds additional time on top of processing time. A check refund can take four to six weeks or longer from the date the IRS processes your return, depending on mail delivery in your area.

If you chose direct deposit, the refund should appear in your bank account within one to two business days after the IRS releases it. However, some banks hold deposits for a day or two before making the funds available, so the money may not show up when ready even after the IRS has sent it.

If your refund was supposed to be deposited directly but you have not seen it after the date Where's My Refund? provided, contact your bank to confirm they received the deposit. If the bank has no record of it, call the IRS to report the issue.

If your refund was deposited to the wrong account

If the IRS deposited your refund to a bank account that is not yours — for example, because you provided an incorrect account number on your return — you will need to report this to both the IRS and your bank. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain that your refund was sent to the wrong account. The IRS can issue a replacement check, though this process takes additional time.

Contact the bank where the refund was deposited and explain that the deposit was sent in error. The bank may be able to reverse the deposit, but this depends on whether the account holder has already withdrawn the funds. If the funds were withdrawn, the bank cannot recover them, and you will need to rely on the IRS replacement check.

What to do if your refund is significantly delayed

If Where's My Refund? shows a processing date that has passed and your refund has not arrived, or if the tool has not updated in more than a week, contact the IRS. Before calling, gather your tax return, a copy of the notice the IRS sent you (if you received one), and any correspondence about your refund.

The IRS has a Taxpayer Advocate Service that can help if you have been waiting longer than normal and the regular IRS line cannot resolve the issue. This service is free and independent from the regular IRS office. You can request help by calling 1-877-777-4778 or by visiting TaxpayerAdvocate.irs.gov.

How to prevent refund delays on your next return

File electronically rather than by mail — electronic returns are processed faster and have fewer errors. Double-check your bank account information if you are requesting direct deposit, because a single wrong digit will send your refund to the wrong account. Make sure your name matches exactly what is on file with the Social Security Administration.

If you have a complex return — for example, if you are claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit — expect processing to take longer than the standard timeframe. These credits require additional verification, which can add weeks to processing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before contacting the IRS about my refund?

If Where's My Refund? shows your refund is still processing and provides a date, wait until that date has passed. If the date has passed and your refund has not arrived, or if the tool has not updated in more than a week, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Can I get my refund faster if I call the IRS?

No. Calling the IRS cannot speed up processing. The IRS processes returns in the order they were received, and calling does not move your return to the front of the line. However, calling is necessary if there is an error on your return or if the tool shows a problem.

What if I filed my return by mail and it has been more than six weeks?

Mail-filed returns take longer to process than electronic returns. If it has been more than six weeks since you mailed your return and Where's My Refund? cannot find it, call the IRS to confirm they received it. Bring the mailing date and any tracking information you have.

Can the IRS send my refund to a different bank account if I gave them the wrong one?

Yes, but you must request this before the IRS deposits the refund. If the refund has already been deposited to the wrong account, the IRS will issue a replacement check instead. Contact the IRS when ready if you realize you provided the wrong account number.

What if I never received a notice from the IRS about my refund?

Not receiving a notice does not mean something is wrong. The IRS only sends notices if there is a problem with your return or if they need more information from you. Use Where's My Refund? to check your status, or call 1-800-829-1040 if the tool cannot find your return.

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.