The IRS2Go app shows you where your refund is in the processing pipeline
The IRS2Go mobile app is the fastest way to see whether the IRS has received your return, started processing it, approved it, or sent it to your bank. You open the app, enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return, and the app tells you the current status. The information updates once per day, usually overnight.
You do not need to create an account or log in. The app works on both iPhone and Android. If you do not want to use the app, you can check the same information on the IRS website at irs.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool — the data is identical.
The app is most useful if you check it after you have filed and before you expect the refund to land in your account. Checking too early (within 24 hours of filing) will show no information because the IRS has not yet processed your return.
Key Takeaways
- IRS2Go requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount — not your PIN or password.
- The app updates once per day and shows four possible statuses: return received, return approved, refund sent, or refund delivered.
- If you filed electronically, the IRS typically begins processing within 24 hours; if you mailed a paper return, allow 4 to 6 weeks before checking.
- The app works offline once you have entered your information, but you need an internet connection to retrieve the first status update.
What information you need to open the app
Before you open IRS2Go, gather three pieces of information from your tax return: your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household), and the exact refund amount you claimed on your return.
The app does not ask for your password, PIN, or any banking information. It only needs what appears on the return itself. If you are checking on behalf of a spouse or dependent, you will need their Social Security number and the refund amount from their return — you cannot check someone else's status with your own information.
If you do not remember the exact refund amount, check your copy of the return or the confirmation email the IRS sent when your return was received. The amount must match exactly — if you enter $2,500 and your return claimed $2,501, the app will not find your information.
The four refund statuses the app displays
IRS2Go shows one of four messages when you search. Each one tells you where your return sits in the processing timeline.
| Status | What it means | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Return Received | The IRS has received your return but has not yet begun processing it. | Shows for 24 hours to 5 days after filing electronically; up to 4 weeks after mailing a paper return. |
| Return Approved | The IRS has processed your return and approved the refund amount. | Shows for 3 to 5 days before the refund is sent to your bank. |
| Refund Sent | The IRS has sent the refund to your bank or the address on file for a paper check. | Shows for 1 to 3 days before the money appears in your account or the check arrives. |
| Refund Delivered | The refund has been deposited into your account or the check has been delivered. | Final status; the money is now yours to use. |
If the app says "Return Received" but you filed more than 5 days ago, your return may be in a queue waiting for an IRS employee to review it. This is normal during tax season. If you filed more than 21 days ago and the status has not changed, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to confirm the return was received.
How long each stage typically takes
The speed of your refund depends on how you filed and whether the IRS needs to review your return for errors or inconsistencies.
If you filed electronically with direct deposit, the entire process usually takes 21 days from the date you filed. The IRS receives your return within 24 hours, processes it within 3 to 5 days, approves it within another 3 to 5 days, and sends it to your bank within 1 to 3 days. Your bank then deposits it, which typically happens the same day or the next business day.
If you filed electronically but requested a paper check, add 7 to 10 days to the timeline for mailing. If you mailed a paper return, add 4 to 6 weeks to the entire process because the IRS must first receive and scan your return before processing begins.
Some returns take longer. If the IRS finds a discrepancy — a missing signature, a math error, or income that does not match what your employer reported — it will hold the return for manual review. This can add 2 to 4 weeks. The IRS will contact you by mail if this happens, not by phone or email.
What to do if the status does not change for weeks
If your return shows "Return Received" for more than 21 days, or if the status has not updated in 2 weeks, the IRS may be reviewing your return or may not have received it at all.
Check IRS2Go again the next day — the app updates once per day, usually between midnight and 6 a.m. Eastern time. If the status still has not changed after 3 days, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return was received and whether it is in review.
If you mailed your return and more than 6 weeks have passed since you mailed it, the IRS may not have received it. Ask the IRS whether they have a record of it. If they do not, you will need to file again — either electronically or by mail. Do not file a second return until you confirm the first one was not received, because filing twice can delay both refunds.
IRS2Go versus the IRS website tool
The IRS2Go app and the "Where's My Refund?" tool on irs.gov show identical information. The app is faster if you check your status regularly because you do not have to re-enter your information each time — you can save it on your phone. The website is better if you check only once or if you do not want to read an app.
Both tools update at the same time, once per day. Both require the same three pieces of information. Neither one shows a reason if your refund is delayed, and neither one lets you contact the IRS directly — you have to call 800-829-1040 for that.
The app does work offline once you have retrieved your status at least once, which can be useful if your internet connection is unreliable. The website requires an active connection every time you check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status if I filed jointly with a spouse?
Yes. Use your Social Security number and the total refund amount from your joint return. You cannot check only your portion of the refund — the IRS processes joint returns as a single unit. If you need to know how much of the refund is yours versus your spouse's, you will need to contact the IRS directly.
What if I entered the wrong refund amount by mistake?
The app will show "We cannot provide information about your refund." Go back and re-enter the exact amount from your return. If you do not have a copy, check your email for the IRS confirmation message, or log into your tax software account to view the return you filed.
Does IRS2Go work if I filed an amended return?
The app tracks your original return, not amended returns. If you filed Form 1040-X to amend your return, IRS2Go will still show the status of your original return. Amended returns process separately and take 8 to 12 weeks. You can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to ask about an amended return's status.
Can I use IRS2Go to check on a refund from a previous year?
No. The app only shows the current tax year's refund status. If you need information about a refund from a prior year, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov and use the "Get Transcript" tool to view your account history.