Check the IRS refund status before you assume something is wrong
The IRS has a tool called Where's My Refund? that shows you the exact status of your return and, when available, the deposit date. You reach it at irs.gov/refunds or through the IRS2Go mobile app. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If your return was filed electronically and accepted, the IRS typically posts a status update within 24 hours. If you filed by mail, allow an extra week or two before checking — the IRS has to physically receive and scan your return first.
The status will show one of three things: your return is still being processed, your return has been approved and a deposit date has been set, or there is a problem that requires your attention. Most returns that are still processing will show an expected completion date.
Key Takeaways
- Check Where's My Refund? on irs.gov before taking any other step — it will tell you whether your return is still processing, approved with a deposit date, or flagged for review.
- If the tool shows a deposit date that has already passed, contact your bank to confirm the deposit was not sent to a closed or incorrect account.
- If the IRS has held your refund for review or verification, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining what documents or information they need.
- The IRS does not call, text, or email about refund problems — any contact claiming to be from the IRS about your refund is a scam.
- If your refund is more than 21 days late and Where's My Refund? shows no status, contact the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954.
What the status messages actually mean
"Return received and being processed" means the IRS has your return but has not finished reviewing it. This is the most common status for the first two to three weeks. The tool will usually show an estimated completion date. If that date passes and the status does not change, wait another week — the estimate can shift if the IRS encounters something that needs manual review.
"Approved" means the IRS has finished reviewing your return and your refund has been authorized. The tool will show a specific deposit date. If you filed electronically, the deposit usually arrives within one to two business days of that date. If you requested a check instead, allow five to seven business days from the approval date.
"We received your return but need more information" or similar language means the IRS has flagged something and will send you a letter. This letter will explain exactly what they need — usually copies of documents you referenced on your return, proof of income, or clarification on a deduction. You do not need to call; respond to the letter with the requested documents and the IRS will resume processing.
Your bank account or address may be the problem
If Where's My Refund? shows an approval date that has already passed but you have not received the money, the issue is usually with the deposit itself. Check your bank account to see if the deposit arrived under a different date than you expected, or if it was rejected.
Deposits can be rejected if the account number or routing number on your return is wrong, if the account has been closed since you filed, or if the account is flagged for fraud. Call your bank and ask whether a deposit from the IRS was attempted. If it was rejected, the IRS will reissue it as a check, which takes an additional two to three weeks.
If you moved since filing and the IRS has your old address on file, a paper check will go to that address. You can update your address with the IRS through Where's My Refund? if the tool offers that option, or by calling 800-829-1954. However, if a check has already been mailed to your old address, the IRS cannot stop it — you will need to contact the person at that address or file a claim for a lost check.
When the IRS holds a refund for review
The IRS sometimes holds a refund for additional review if your return contains certain items — a large charitable deduction, business losses, the Earned Income Tax Credit, or anything that looks unusual compared to your prior returns. This review can add two to four weeks to processing time.
You will not see a specific reason in Where's My Refund? — the tool will straightforward show that your return is still being processed. The IRS will send you a letter if they need documents from you. If they do not need anything from you, they will straightforward approve the refund once the review is complete.
Do not assume the IRS suspects fraud just because your return is under review. The review is often automatic and based on patterns the IRS flags in all returns, not on anything you did wrong.
How to contact the IRS about a delayed refund
Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 if your refund is more than 21 days late and Where's My Refund? shows no status update. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. Wait times are longest in March and April, so call early in the day or later in the week if you can.
The IRS also offers in-person help at local Taxpayer information Centers. You can find the nearest one at irs.gov/localoffices. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices require an appointment.
Do not respond to unsolicited calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from the IRS about your refund. The IRS initiates contact by mail only, and only when they need information from you or when there is a problem with your account. Scammers often pose as the IRS to steal personal information or money.
What happens if your refund was lost or stolen
If a check was mailed to you and never arrived, or if you believe it was stolen, contact the IRS at 800-829-1954 with the date you expected to receive it. The IRS can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, a direct deposit to a different account.
If someone else cashed a check intended for you, you will need to file a police report and then contact the IRS with a copy of that report. The IRS can investigate and reissue the refund, but the process takes several weeks.
If your refund was deposited to an account that is not yours — because you gave the wrong account number when filing — contact your bank when ready. The bank may be able to reverse the deposit if it was recent. If the bank cannot reverse it, contact the IRS and explain the error. The IRS will work with the other bank to recover the funds and reissue your refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take to get a refund after the IRS approves it?
If you chose direct deposit, the money typically arrives one to two business days after the IRS approval date shown in Where's My Refund?. If you requested a paper check, allow five to seven business days. Weekends and federal holidays do not count as business days.
Can I call the IRS to speed up my refund?
No. The IRS processes refunds in the order they were received, and calling does not change that. If your return is still being processed normally, calling will only add to the wait time for other people. Call only if your refund is more than 21 days late or if Where's My Refund? shows a problem that requires your attention.
What if Where's My Refund? says my refund was approved but my bank says it never arrived?
Contact your bank first and ask them to confirm whether a deposit from the IRS was attempted and rejected. If it was rejected, the IRS will automatically reissue it as a check within two to three weeks. If your bank has no record of an attempted deposit, call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to verify the account number they have on file.
Is there a way to get my refund faster?
No. The IRS processes all returns at the same pace regardless of income, filing method, or refund size. Direct deposit is faster than a paper check, but you have to choose that option when you file — you cannot change it after. If you filed by mail, filing electronically next year will be faster.
What should I do if I think someone filed a fraudulent return using my Social Security number?
Contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 800-908-4490 when ready. You will need to file Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit, which you can submit by mail or through your IRS online account. The IRS will freeze your account and investigate. This process takes several months, so report it as soon as you suspect it.