Where to check your refund status

The IRS has a tool called Where's My Refund? that tells you the status of your federal tax refund. You reach it through the IRS website at irs.gov, or you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Both methods use the same information to look up your refund: your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return.

Where's My Refund? updates once per day, usually overnight. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, the tool will show you the expected deposit date once your refund has been processed. If you chose a paper check, it will tell you when the check was mailed.

State tax refunds are tracked separately through your state's tax agency website, not through the IRS. Each state runs its own system, so you will need to visit your state's revenue or taxation department website to check a state refund.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS tool Where's My Refund? is the official way to check your federal refund status, and you can access it on irs.gov or by phone at 1-800-829-1040.
  • You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return to look up your status.
  • The tool updates once per day and shows you an expected deposit date if you chose direct deposit, or a mailing date if you chose a check.
  • State refunds are tracked through your state's tax agency website, not the IRS, and each state has its own timeline.
  • If Where's My Refund? says your refund is still being processed after 21 days from filing, contact the IRS by phone to ask about a delay.

What information you need to look up your refund

Before you use Where's My Refund?, gather three pieces of information from your tax return. First, you need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Second, you need your filing status — whether you filed as single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or may have access to widow(er). Third, you need the exact refund amount, down to the dollar.

The refund amount is the number that appears on your return as the total refund you are expecting. If you are unsure of this amount, look at the last page of your tax return form (Form 1040 for most people) or check the confirmation email or letter you received when you filed.

How long refunds usually take

The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days of when you file. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, your refund typically arrives within that window. If you chose a paper check, add another week or two for mailing time after the IRS processes your return.

Some returns take longer. If the IRS needs to verify information on your return — for example, if there is a mismatch between what you reported and what your employer reported — processing can take several weeks or longer. Where's My Refund? will show you a message if your return is being reviewed.

Tax refunds filed on paper (not electronically) take longer to process than electronic returns. If you mailed in a paper return, expect processing to take at least four to six weeks before your refund is issued.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If Where's My Refund? shows your refund is still being processed after 21 days from the date you filed, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask about the delay. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready when you call. The IRS representative can tell you whether your return is being reviewed or if there is another reason for the delay.

Do not file an amended return or file again if your refund is delayed. Filing a second return will only slow things down further. Wait for the IRS to contact you if there is a problem with your return.

If you believe your refund was lost in the mail (you chose a check and it has been more than a month since the IRS said it was mailed), the IRS can issue a replacement check. Call 1-800-829-1040 to report a missing check.

Refunds and identity theft

If you cannot find your refund in Where's My Refund? and the tool says it cannot locate your return, it is possible your Social Security number was used to file a fraudulent return. This happens when someone files a tax return using your information before you file your own.

If you suspect identity theft, do not ignore it. Contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 or visit irs.gov/identity-theft. The IRS will help you file a legitimate return and recover your refund. You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report.

State refund tracking

Each state that has an income tax runs its own refund tracking system. To check your state refund, visit your state's department of revenue or taxation website and look for a refund status tool. Some states call it "Where's My Refund?" and others use different names, but the concept is the same.

State refunds often take longer than federal refunds. Many states process refunds within four to eight weeks, but this varies. If you filed your state return at the same time as your federal return, your state refund may arrive weeks after your federal refund.

If you filed your state return electronically and chose direct deposit, your state refund will go to the bank account you listed on your return. If you chose a check, the state will mail it to your address on file.

What happens if your refund amount changes

Sometimes the IRS processes your return and then discovers a mistake or a discrepancy. If this happens, the IRS will send you a letter explaining the change and the new refund amount. Where's My Refund? may show a different amount than what you originally expected.

Common reasons for changes include math errors on your return, a mismatch between what you reported and what your employer or bank reported, or a missed form. The letter from the IRS will explain which one applies to you. If you disagree with the change, the letter will tell you how to respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my refund status before I file my return?

No. Where's My Refund? only works after you have filed your return. The tool needs your return information to look up your status. If you have not filed yet, you cannot check your refund status.

Why does Where's My Refund? say it cannot find my return?

This usually means the IRS has not yet processed your return, or you entered one of the three required pieces of information (Social Security number, filing status, or refund amount) incorrectly. Double-check that the refund amount matches exactly what is on your return. If you filed very recently, wait a day or two and try again.

What if I filed my return but did not choose direct deposit — how do I know when my check will arrive?

Where's My Refund? will show you the date the IRS mailed your check. After that date, allow one to two weeks for the check to arrive in the mail, depending on how far you live from the IRS processing center. If the check does not arrive within that timeframe, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Can I change my refund to direct deposit if I already filed?

No. Once you file your return, you cannot change the refund method. If you chose a check and want direct deposit instead, you will have to wait for the check to arrive, deposit it yourself, and then transfer the money to your account. For future years, you can choose direct deposit when you file.

Do I need to do anything if Where's My Refund? shows my refund has been deposited?

No. If you chose direct deposit, the money will appear in your bank account automatically on the date the IRS shows. You do not need to take any action. Check your bank account on or after that date to confirm the deposit arrived.