Where to enter your tracking number

The IRS provides a tool called Where's My Refund? on their website at irs.gov. This is the official place to check your refund status using the tracking number the IRS sent you. You do not need to create an account or log in — you enter three pieces of information and the tool shows you where your refund is in the process.

The three things you need are your Social Security number (or ITIN if you filed using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), your filing status from your tax return, and your expected refund amount in whole dollars. The tracking number itself is not required to use this tool, though having it can help you verify you are looking at the right refund.

You can also use the IRS2Go mobile app, which is free and available on iPhone and Android. The app does the same thing as the website but works on your phone, and some people find it easier to check while away from a computer.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund? tool on irs.gov is the only official place to track your refund, and it is free to use.
  • You need your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount — not your tracking number — to check your status.
  • The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in one day will show the same information.
  • If the tool says your refund is approved and sent, it typically arrives within 21 days by mail or within one to two business days by direct deposit.
  • Scams often pose as the IRS and ask you to enter your tracking number on a fake website, so always go directly to irs.gov or use the official IRS2Go app.

What the refund status messages mean

The Where's My Refund? tool shows one of three main statuses. Refund Approved means the IRS has processed your return and your refund has been sent to you. Refund Sent means the money is on its way — either in the mail or already deposited into your bank account, depending on how you chose to receive it. Still Being Processed means the IRS is still reviewing your return and has not yet approved the refund.

If your status shows Still Being Processed and you filed more than 21 days ago, the IRS may be reviewing your return for accuracy or requesting more information from you. Check your mail for any letters from the IRS, and make sure the address on file with them is correct. If you filed electronically, the IRS may also contact you by email if they need documents from you.

Some returns take longer than others. Standard processing takes about 21 days from the date you filed, but returns with errors, missing information, or that claim certain credits can take longer. The tool will tell you if your return needs more time.

How often the tool updates and what to expect

The Where's My Refund? tool updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time. If you check the tool multiple times in the same day, you will see the same status. There is no benefit to checking more than once daily — the information does not change until the next update cycle.

Once the tool shows your refund has been sent, the time it takes to reach you depends on how you chose to receive it. If you selected direct deposit to your bank account, the money usually arrives within one to two business days after the tool shows it was sent. If you chose to receive it by mail, allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery, though some refunds take longer depending on where you live and mail volume.

If the tool shows your refund was sent more than 21 days ago and you have not received it, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready when you call.

Why your refund might not show up in the tool yet

If you filed your return but the Where's My Refund? tool says it cannot find your information, wait 24 hours and try again. The IRS needs time to enter your return into their system after they receive it. If you filed electronically, this usually takes one to two days. If you mailed a paper return, it can take three to four weeks before the IRS enters it into their system.

The tool also cannot show information for returns filed in previous years. If you are looking for a refund from a tax year that ended more than a year ago, you will need to contact the IRS directly by phone or mail. The IRS keeps records of all refunds issued, but the Where's My Refund? tool only shows current-year returns.

Protecting yourself from refund scams

Scammers often create fake websites that look like irs.gov and ask you to enter your tracking number, Social Security number, and other personal information. These fake sites steal your information and use it to commit identity theft. The real IRS will never ask you to enter your tracking number on a website or over the phone.

Always go directly to irs.gov by typing it into your browser yourself, rather than clicking a link in an email or text message. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the IRS and asking you to verify your refund information, do not click any links. Instead, go to irs.gov and use the Where's My Refund? tool directly, or call 1-800-829-1040.

If you believe you have entered your information on a fake website, contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040 and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

What to do if your refund is delayed

If the Where's My Refund? tool shows your refund was sent more than 21 days ago and you have not received it, the first step is to check your bank account if you chose direct deposit. Sometimes the money arrives before the tool updates, so verify whether it is actually there before contacting the IRS.

If you chose to receive your refund by mail and more than 21 days have passed since the tool showed it was sent, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you the exact date your refund was mailed and can issue a replacement check if the original was lost in the mail.

If the tool still shows Still Being Processed and you filed more than 21 days ago, check your mail for letters from the IRS. These letters explain what information or documents they need from you. Follow the instructions in the letter and send the requested information as quickly as you can — this will move your return forward in the queue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track my refund without a tracking number?

Yes. The Where's My Refund? tool does not require a tracking number. You only need your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount. The tool will show you your refund status without needing the tracking number at all.

What if the tool says it cannot find my return?

Wait 24 hours and try again. If you filed electronically, the IRS needs one to two days to enter your return into their system. If you mailed a paper return, wait three to four weeks. If the tool still cannot find your return after that time, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm they received it.

Is the IRS2Go app safe to use?

Yes, the IRS2Go app is the official app made by the IRS and is safe to use. read it directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, not from any other source. It works the same way as the Where's My Refund? website.

How long does a refund take after it shows as sent?

Direct deposit refunds usually arrive within one to two business days after the tool shows they were sent. Mailed refunds take 7 to 10 business days, though some take longer depending on mail volume and your location. If more than 21 days have passed, contact the IRS.

What should I do if I think I was scammed?

Stop entering information on the website when ready. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it. You may also want to place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion by visiting their websites or calling them directly.