How to Check Your Stimulus Check Refund Status

Where to look for your stimulus refund right now

The IRS has three places where you can see the status of a stimulus refund: the IRS website using the Where's My Refund tool, the IRS2Go mobile app, or by calling the IRS directly. The tool you use depends on what information you have and how quickly you need an answer.

The fastest route is the IRS website at irs.gov. Go to the "Refunds" section and select "Where's My Refund." 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, so checking multiple times in the same day will not show new information.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Wait times are longest early in the week and in the morning. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The IRS representative can tell you the same information as the online tool, but they can also answer questions about why a refund is delayed or what to do if it never arrives.

Key Takeaways

The IRS Where's My Refund tool updates once per day and shows the current status of your stimulus refund in real time.
You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return to use the tool.
If the tool says your refund is approved but has not arrived, wait five business days before contacting the IRS.
If your refund was sent to the wrong account or you never received it, the IRS can issue a replacement check or direct deposit within two to three weeks.

What each status message means

The Where's My Refund tool shows one of four statuses. Accepted means the IRS received your return and is processing it. This is the first stage and usually lasts a few days. Approved means the IRS has reviewed your return, found no problems, and released your refund to the bank or the mail. Sent means the refund has left the IRS and is on its way to you—by direct deposit or check, depending on how you filed. Delivered means the refund arrived at your bank or you received the check.

If your status is still "Accepted" after two weeks, your return may be under review. This happens when the IRS needs to verify information on your return, such as income or dependents. You will receive a letter in the mail if this occurs. Do not call the IRS until you receive the letter—they cannot tell you more than the tool shows.

If your status shows "Sent" but you have not received the money after five business days (for direct deposit) or 21 days (for a check), contact the IRS. Have the date the tool said the refund was sent. The IRS can trace the payment and issue a replacement if it was lost.

Direct deposit versus check: why timing differs

Stimulus refunds sent by direct deposit usually arrive within one to three business days after the IRS marks them as "Sent." Refunds sent by check take longer—typically seven to 21 days depending on mail speed and your location. The tool will tell you which method your refund is using.

If you filed electronically and provided bank account information, the IRS sends your refund by direct deposit automatically. If you filed a paper return or did not provide banking details, the IRS mails a check. Direct deposit is faster and more reliable, so if you are filing a new return, providing your bank account number will speed up any future refunds.

Checks can be delayed by mail delays, address changes, or if the check was sent to an old address. If you moved after filing, update your address with the IRS before checking the status. You can do this on irs.gov under "Change of Address" or by calling 1-800-829-1040.

What to do if the tool shows no information about your refund

If you enter your information into Where's My Refund and the tool says it has no record of your return, one of three things happened: the return was not received, the information you entered does not match what the IRS has on file, or the return is still being processed and has not entered the system yet.

First, double-check that you entered your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount exactly as they appear on your return. A single digit wrong will cause the tool to show no results. If the information is correct, wait 24 hours and try again—the system updates once per day and your return may not have been scanned yet.

If you filed more than two weeks ago and the tool still shows nothing, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Bring a copy of your return or the confirmation number if you filed electronically. The IRS can search their system by Social Security number and tell you whether the return was received and where it is in the queue.

If your refund went to the wrong bank account

This happens when you provided an incorrect account number on your return or when your bank rejected the deposit. The IRS will attempt to return the money to their account, and it usually comes back within two to three weeks. When it does, the IRS will issue a check to your address on file instead.

You can speed this up by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as you realize the account number was wrong. Have your correct account number and routing number ready. The IRS cannot redirect a deposit that has already been sent, but they can flag your account so that when the money returns, they know to send a check to the right address or attempt the deposit again with corrected information.

If you provided the correct account number but your bank rejected the deposit, contact your bank first. Ask them why the deposit was rejected and whether they can accept a redeposit. Some banks reject deposits if the account was closed or if there was a name mismatch. Once you resolve the issue with your bank, call the IRS and they can attempt to deposit the refund again.

Protecting yourself from refund scams while checking status

Scammers send fake emails and texts claiming to be from the IRS, asking you to click a link to "verify your refund status" or "confirm your information." These are phishing attempts. The real IRS will never contact you by email or text about a refund. They contact people by mail only.

To check your refund status safely, go directly to irs.gov in your browser—do not click links in emails or texts. Do not read apps that claim to check your IRS status unless they are the official IRS2Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Never give your Social Security number, bank account number, or PIN to anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the IRS.

If you receive a suspicious email or text claiming to be from the IRS, forward it to phishing@irs.gov. If you clicked a link and entered information, change your passwords when ready and monitor your bank and credit accounts for unauthorized activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Where's My Refund tool update?

The tool updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern time. Checking multiple times in the same day will not show new information. If your status has not changed in more than a week, call the IRS to ask whether your return is under review.

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

No. Calling the IRS does not speed up processing. The IRS representative can tell you the same status the online tool shows and can help if your refund is lost or went to the wrong account, but they cannot move your return ahead in the queue.

What if I never received my stimulus refund check?

If the Where's My Refund tool shows your refund was sent more than 21 days ago and you have not received it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. They can trace the check and issue a replacement. Have the date the tool said the check was sent.

Do I need to do anything if my refund status says "Delivered"?

No. Once the status shows "Delivered," the refund has reached your bank or mailbox. If you filed by direct deposit, the money should be in your account. If you filed by check, look for it in the mail. If you do not see it within a few days, contact your bank or the IRS.

Can I change my refund from a check to direct deposit?

No. Once the IRS has processed your return and sent the refund, you cannot change the method. If you want future refunds by direct deposit, provide your bank account number on your next tax 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.