Where to check your refund status
Your refund status depends on which tax year you filed and which agency processed your return. The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) handles federal income tax refunds, while your state tax agency handles state refunds — these move on separate timelines and you need to check each one separately.
For a federal refund, go to IRS.gov and use the "Where's My Refund?" tool. 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 show the same information.
For a state refund, search "[your state] tax refund status" — each state runs its own system with its own web address. Some states use similar tools to the IRS; others require you to call a phone line or mail in a form. Your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website will have the link.
Key Takeaways
- Federal and state refunds are tracked separately — you must check the IRS website for federal and your state's tax agency for state refunds.
- The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
- The IRS tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times the same day shows the same status.
- If the tool says "still processing," your return is in the normal queue; most federal refunds arrive within 21 days of acceptance.
- If you filed by mail instead of electronically, add 2 to 3 weeks before checking status online.
What the status messages mean
"Return received" means the IRS has your return but has not yet started reviewing it. This is the first step and usually lasts a few days. You will see this message even if you filed weeks ago — it does not mean something is wrong.
"Still processing" means your return is being reviewed and is on track. This is the longest phase and typically lasts 21 days from the date your return was accepted. Some returns take longer if the IRS needs to verify information or if your return was filed by mail.
"Approved" means the IRS has finished reviewing your return and approved your refund. The next step is sending the money to your bank or issuing a check. This usually happens within a few business days of approval, but can take longer if you chose to receive a paper check.
"Sent to your bank" or "Check issued" means the IRS has released your refund. If it was sent to your bank, it should arrive within one to three business days. If a check was issued, allow 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery.
Why your refund might be delayed
The most common reason for delay is that you filed by mail instead of electronically. Paper returns take 2 to 3 weeks just to be scanned and entered into the IRS system before processing begins. If you filed by mail more than 3 weeks ago and the tool still says "Return received," contact the IRS.
The IRS may also hold your return for review if certain information does not match their records — for example, if your Social Security number on the return does not match what they have on file, or if you claimed a dependent the IRS cannot verify. In these cases, the tool will eventually show a message asking you to take action, usually by phone or mail.
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS is required by law to hold your refund until at least mid-February, even if your return is approved. This is not a delay — it is a legal requirement.
If your refund was supposed to arrive but did not, the money may have been sent to an old bank account. This happens when you use a bank account number from a previous year's return without updating it. Contact your bank to ask if the deposit was rejected, then contact the IRS to arrange a reissue.
What to do if the tool says "still processing" after 21 days
If your return was accepted electronically and the tool still says "still processing" more than 21 days later, your return is likely in a queue for manual review. This does not mean you made an error — it can happen for routine reasons like a name mismatch or an address change.
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. The IRS representative can tell you whether your return is under review and what, if anything, you need to do.
If you filed by mail and it has been more than 3 weeks, also call the IRS. They can check whether your return has been received and scanned into the system yet.
Refunds sent to the wrong account
If you provided a bank account number on your return and the refund was deposited there but you no longer have access to that account, contact your current bank first. Ask whether the deposit was rejected and returned to the IRS. If it was rejected, the IRS will typically reissue the refund as a check within 4 weeks.
If the deposit went through but to an account you cannot access (for example, an old account at a bank you no longer use), contact that bank and ask them to reverse the deposit if possible. Some banks can do this; others cannot. If the bank cannot reverse it, you will need to contact the IRS to report the issue and request a replacement refund.
State refund delays
State refunds often take longer than federal refunds because most states process returns manually rather than electronically. Even if you filed your state return at the same time as your federal return, expect your state refund to arrive 1 to 4 weeks after your federal refund.
Some states hold refunds if you owe back taxes, child support, or student loans. The state will contact you by mail if this applies. Other states delay refunds during peak filing season (February through April) straightforward because of volume.
If your state refund is significantly delayed, check your state's tax agency website for a phone number or mailing address. State agencies are usually slower to respond than the IRS, but they can tell you whether your return has been received.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it usually take to get a refund?
Federal refunds typically arrive within 21 days of the date your return was accepted by the IRS. If you filed by mail, add 2 to 3 weeks before that 21-day clock starts. State refunds usually take 1 to 4 weeks longer than federal refunds. If you claimed the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS holds your refund until at least mid-February by law.
Can I check my refund status by phone?
You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative, but the online "Where's My Refund?" tool is faster and available 24/7. The phone line is useful if the tool is not working, if you filed by mail and want to confirm receipt, or if your refund is significantly delayed. For state refunds, check your state's tax agency website for a phone number.
What if the tool says I need to take action?
The IRS will display a specific message telling you what is needed — for example, to verify your identity, provide additional documents, or call a phone number. Follow the instructions in the message exactly. Do not ignore these messages, as they can delay your refund indefinitely if you do not respond within the timeframe given.
Why does the tool ask for my refund amount?
The IRS asks for the exact refund amount to verify your identity and make sure you are checking the right return. This amount is on your tax return form (Form 1040 or your state's equivalent). If you do not remember it, you can look it up on a copy of your return or contact the IRS to confirm.
Can I get my refund faster?
No. The IRS processes refunds in the order they are received, and there is no way to move your return to the front of the queue. Filing electronically instead of by mail speeds things up by 2 to 3 weeks, but if you have already filed, that option is no longer available. The fastest refunds go to people who file electronically, claim no credits, and have no errors on their return.