The IRS Where's My Refund tool is the official way to check your federal tax refund

The IRS Where's My Refund tool is the only place to check the status of a federal tax refund you filed with the IRS. You can find it at irs.gov/refunds. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in the same day will show the same information.

To use it, you need three pieces of information: your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), your filing status from your tax return, and the exact refund amount you expect. If you filed jointly, you can use either spouse's Social Security number. The tool will tell you whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has sent the refund out.

The tool works for federal returns only. If you filed a state tax return and want to check that refund, you will need to visit your state's tax agency website instead — each state runs its own system.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds is the official source for checking federal tax refund status.
  • You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount to use the tool.
  • The tool updates once daily and shows whether your return is being processed, approved, or sent out.
  • State tax refunds are tracked through your state's tax agency website, not the IRS tool.
  • If the tool says your refund was sent but you have not received it, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

What the tool tells you at each stage

When you enter your information, the tool shows one of three statuses. The first is "Return Received" — this means the IRS has your return but is still reviewing it. Most returns in this stage are processed within 21 days, though some take longer if the IRS needs to verify information.

The second status is "Approved" — your return has been reviewed and accepted, and the IRS has approved your refund. This stage usually lasts a few days while the IRS prepares the payment.

The third status is "Sent" — the IRS has sent your refund out. The tool will tell you the date it was sent and the method: direct deposit to your bank account, or a check mailed to your address. If you chose direct deposit, the money usually arrives within one to two business days after the IRS sends it. If you chose a check, allow 7 to 10 business days from the send date.

What to do if the tool does not show your return

If you enter your information and the tool says it cannot find your return, the most common reason is that the IRS has not received it yet. If you mailed a paper return, allow up to four weeks for it to arrive and be entered into the IRS system. If you filed electronically, it should appear within 24 hours.

A second reason is that you entered information incorrectly. Double-check your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. The refund amount must match exactly — if you are off by even one dollar, the tool will not find your return.

If you filed more than four weeks ago and the tool still cannot find your return, or if the information you entered is correct but the tool rejects it, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your return and a copy of your filing confirmation (if you filed electronically) ready when you call.

How long refunds usually take

The IRS aims to process most returns and send refunds within 21 days of receiving them. However, the actual time varies. Returns filed electronically and approved for direct deposit tend to be processed faster — often within 10 to 14 days. Returns filed on paper or approved for a check typically take longer.

Some returns take longer than 21 days. This happens when the IRS needs to verify information on your return, when you claim certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, or when there are errors or missing information. The Where's My Refund tool will show your return as "Return Received" during this time.

If your refund has not arrived 21 days after the IRS sent it, or if the tool shows "Sent" but you have not received the money after the expected timeframe, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov/contact.

State tax refunds are separate from federal refunds

If you filed a state tax return in addition to your federal return, that refund is handled by your state's tax agency, not the IRS. Each state has its own website and tracking system. You can usually find your state's refund tracker by searching "[your state] tax refund status" or by visiting your state's department of revenue website.

State refunds often take longer than federal refunds because states process returns on their own schedule. Some states process refunds within two to three weeks; others take six weeks or longer. Check your state's website for typical processing times.

What to do if you think your refund was lost or stolen

If the Where's My Refund tool shows your refund was sent by check but you never received it, or if it shows the refund was deposited to your account but the money never arrived, contact the IRS when ready. Call 1-800-829-1040 and have your return and the send date ready.

For a lost or stolen check, the IRS can issue a replacement. For a direct deposit that did not arrive, the IRS will investigate whether the money went to the wrong account. In either case, the process takes time — usually several weeks — so contact them as soon as you realize the refund is missing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my refund status if I filed with a tax preparation company?

Yes, the IRS Where's My Refund tool works regardless of who prepared your return. The tool only looks at information the IRS has on file, not at your tax preparer's records. If the tool cannot find your return, contact your tax preparer to confirm they filed it and to get a copy of your filing confirmation.

Why does the tool say my refund was sent but I have not received it?

If you chose direct deposit, the money usually arrives one to two business days after the IRS sends it — check your bank account to confirm it did not arrive. If you chose a check, allow 7 to 10 business days from the send date. If that time has passed, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it.

What if I filed jointly and my spouse wants to check the refund?

Either spouse can use the Where's My Refund tool with either Social Security number. You will both see the same refund status because the return is filed jointly and the refund is one payment, not two separate ones.

Does the Where's My Refund tool work for amended returns?

The tool tracks original returns only. If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), the Where's My Refund tool will not show its status. Amended returns are processed separately and take longer — usually 12 to 16 weeks. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to check an amended return's status.