How to Check Your Tax Refund Status With an ITIN

The IRS Where's My Refund tool works with an ITIN, but you need the right documents and timing

You can check your refund status using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. The tool requires your ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return. The IRS processes ITIN returns on the same schedule as Social Security Number returns, but the timeline depends on whether you filed electronically or by mail, and whether your return needed additional review.

The Where's My Refund tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If your return was accepted, the tool will show one of three statuses: received, approved, or sent. A refund sent by direct deposit typically arrives within one to two weeks of the "sent" status. A paper check takes two to four weeks longer. If the tool shows no information about your return, it either has not been processed yet or the IRS needs more time to review it.

Key Takeaways

The IRS Where's My Refund tool accepts ITIN numbers and shows refund status at irs.gov/refunds.
You will need your ITIN, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your return to check status.
The tool updates once daily and shows whether your return was received, approved, or sent to your bank or by mail.
Direct deposit refunds arrive one to two weeks after the "sent" status appears; paper checks take an additional two to four weeks.
If the tool shows no record of your return after 21 days from filing, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm it was received.

What information you need to check your refund

Gather three pieces of information before you go to the Where's My Refund tool. First, your ITIN — the nine-digit number that begins with 9 and appears on your tax return. Second, your filing status as it appears on your return: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or may have access to widow(er). Third, the exact refund amount you claimed on your return, down to the dollar and cent.

The refund amount must match what you entered on line 33 of Form 1040 (or the equivalent line on your specific form). If you are unsure of the exact amount, pull up a copy of your filed return. If you filed electronically, your tax software or preparer should have sent you a confirmation email with the return details. If you filed by mail, you may have kept a copy or can contact the IRS to request a transcript of your return.

How to use the Where's My Refund tool

Go to irs.gov and search for "Where's My Refund" or navigate directly to the tool. Enter your ITIN in the field labeled "Social Security Number" — the tool accepts ITIN numbers in this field. Enter your filing status and the exact refund amount. Click "Submit." The tool will display your refund status within seconds.

The tool shows one of four outcomes. "Return Received" means the IRS has your return but has not finished processing it yet. "Approved" means your return was accepted and your refund was approved. "Sent" means the IRS has sent your refund to your bank (if you chose direct deposit) or mailed a check to your address. "Still Being Processed" means the IRS is reviewing your return and needs more time — this can happen if there are questions about your income, deductions, or ITIN status.

Timeline for ITIN refunds

The IRS aims to process returns within 21 days of receipt if you filed electronically. If you mailed a paper return, add 7 to 10 days for the IRS to receive and scan it before processing begins. Once your return shows "Approved" status, the IRS typically sends the refund within 5 to 7 business days.

After the refund shows "Sent" status, timing depends on your payment method. Direct deposit refunds arrive in one to two weeks. Paper checks arrive in two to four weeks, depending on mail delivery in your area. If you do not see the refund in your bank account or mailbox within these windows, use the Where's My Refund tool again to confirm the status, or contact the IRS.

What to do if the tool shows no information

If you search the Where's My Refund tool and it returns no results, first confirm you entered your ITIN, filing status, and refund amount correctly. A single digit wrong in any field will produce no match. Try again with the exact information from your return.

If the information is correct and the tool still shows nothing after 21 days from when you filed, your return may not have been received or scanned yet. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and have your ITIN, filing status, and refund amount ready. The IRS can confirm whether your return arrived and, if it did, why it is not yet showing in the tool. If you filed by mail, ask the IRS whether your return has been received; if not, you may need to file again or request a trace.

Why your refund might be delayed

ITIN returns are not delayed because of the ITIN itself — the IRS processes them on the same timeline as returns filed with Social Security Numbers. Delays usually happen for one of three reasons: the return needs verification of income or identity, there is a mismatch between the name and ITIN on file, or the return contains errors that require correction.

If your return shows "Still Being Processed" after 21 days, the IRS is likely reviewing something. You will not receive a letter when ready; the IRS sends notices only if it needs you to provide documents or correct information. Check the Where's My Refund tool every few days. If a letter arrives, it will explain what the IRS needs and how to respond. Do not ignore IRS correspondence — responding promptly keeps your refund moving.

Refund delivery methods and timing

When you filed your return, you chose how to receive your refund: direct deposit to a bank account or a paper check mailed to your address. The Where's My Refund tool does not tell you which method you selected, so you need to remember or check your filed return.

Direct deposit is faster and more reliable. Once the refund shows "Sent" status, the IRS sends the funds to your bank within 5 to 7 business days, and your bank deposits them within one to two weeks. Paper checks are mailed from an IRS facility and take longer — typically two to four weeks from the "Sent" status, depending on mail delivery. If you chose direct deposit but the funds do not arrive within two weeks of the "Sent" status, contact your bank to confirm they received the deposit. If you chose a paper check and it does not arrive within four weeks, call the IRS to request a trace or replacement check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my refund status if I filed jointly with someone who has an ITIN?

Yes. Use either the ITIN or Social Security Number from the return, along with your filing status and refund amount. The Where's My Refund tool does not distinguish between joint filers — it shows the status of the return itself, not individual refunds. If you need to know how much of the refund belongs to each person, you will need to contact the IRS or refer to your filed return.

What if the refund amount I entered does not match what the IRS has?

The tool will return no results if the amount does not match exactly. Check your filed return to confirm the refund amount on line 33 of Form 1040 (or the equivalent line). If you claimed a refund of $1,500 but entered $1,050, the tool will not find your return. Re-enter the correct amount and try again.

Do I need to file a separate return if I have an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number?

No. You file the same Form 1040 as anyone else; the only difference is that you enter your ITIN instead of a Social Security Number. The Where's My Refund tool treats ITIN returns the same as Social Security Number returns, so you use the same tool and follow the same timeline.

What happens if the IRS rejects my return because of my ITIN?

If the IRS rejects your return because of an ITIN issue — such as a mismatch between your name and ITIN on file — the Where's My Refund tool will eventually show a status indicating the return was not accepted. You will also receive a letter from the IRS explaining the problem. The letter will tell you how to correct it, whether by obtaining a new ITIN, providing additional documentation, or amending your return. Follow the IRS instructions in the letter to resolve the issue.

Can I check my refund status on a mobile phone?

Yes. The Where's My Refund tool works on mobile browsers. Go to irs.gov on your phone, search for "Where's My Refund," and enter your information the same way you would on a computer. The tool is not a downloadable app — it is a web-based tool that works in any browser.

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.