Where to check your federal tax refund

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) runs a tool called Where's My Refund? that shows you the status of your federal tax return. You can reach it at irs.gov/refunds, and it works on a computer, tablet, or phone. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.

To use it, you need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your tax return. If you don't remember the amount, check the copy of your return you kept or the confirmation email from the tax software you used.

The tool tells you whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it and sent the money, or has held it for review. It also shows the expected deposit date if your refund has been approved.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds is the official place to check your federal tax refund status.
  • You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your return to use the tool.
  • The tool updates once per day and shows whether your return is being processed, approved, or held for review.
  • State tax refunds are tracked through your state's tax agency website, not the IRS.

What the status messages mean

Return received means the IRS got your return but hasn't started reviewing it yet. This is the first status you'll see, usually within a day or two of filing.

Return approved means the IRS reviewed your return, found no problems, and approved your refund. The tool will show you the date the money will arrive in your bank account or by check.

Return held for review means the IRS found something that needs checking — a math error, a missing form, or information that doesn't match their records. The tool will tell you what they need. You may need to send documents or call the IRS to resolve it.

If your status hasn't changed in more than 21 days after you filed, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to ask what's happening.

How long refunds usually take

The IRS aims to process most returns within 21 days of receiving them. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit (the money goes straight to your bank account), this is usually the fastest route — often 7 to 14 days from approval.

If you chose a paper check, add another 7 to 10 days for the mail. If the IRS holds your return for review, it can take several weeks or longer, depending on what they need to check.

Refunds filed on paper take longer than electronic returns. The IRS has to scan and enter the information by hand, which adds time to the process.

Checking your state tax refund

Your state tax refund is separate from your federal refund and tracked through your state's tax agency, not the IRS. Each state runs its own refund tracker.

To find your state's tool, search "[your state] tax refund status" or go to your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website. You'll usually need the same information — your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.

State refunds often take longer than federal refunds because states have smaller staffs. Allow 4 to 8 weeks for a state refund, or longer if your return is held for review.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If the Where's My Refund tool shows no status change after 21 days, or if the expected deposit date has passed and the money hasn't arrived, contact the IRS. Call 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 refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is still being processed, held for review, or if there's a problem with your bank account information.

If you filed by mail and it's been more than 21 days since you mailed it, the IRS may not have received it yet. Ask whether they have a record of it. If not, you may need to file again or provide proof you mailed the original.

If your refund went to the wrong bank account

If you gave the IRS the wrong bank account number or routing number, the money may have gone to a different account or been rejected by the bank. The Where's My Refund tool won't tell you this — you'll notice when the money doesn't arrive on the expected date.

Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and explain what happened. They can sometimes recall the deposit if it hasn't cleared yet, but this depends on your bank and how quickly you call. If the money went to another account, you may need to contact that bank to ask them to return it.

To avoid this next year, double-check your bank account number and routing number before you file. Your bank statement shows both numbers at the bottom of a check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Where's My Refund update?

The tool updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time. Checking it multiple times in the same day won't show new information. If your status hasn't changed in more than 21 days, that's when to call the IRS instead of checking the tool.

Can I check my refund status without my exact refund amount?

No, the Where's My Refund tool requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. If you don't have it, check your tax return copy, your email confirmation from the tax software you used, or your IRS account at irs.gov (you can create a free login).

What if I filed jointly with my spouse — whose Social Security number do I use?

Use either spouse's Social Security number. The tool will show the same refund status either way. The refund goes to whichever bank account you listed on the return, regardless of whose number you use to check.

Why does my state refund take longer than my federal refund?

States process returns more slowly because they have smaller staffing than the IRS and often wait for federal returns to be processed first. Some states also require additional verification steps. Check your state's tax website for their typical processing time.

Can I get my refund faster if I pay a tax preparation company?

No. Tax preparation companies cannot speed up the IRS or your state. Some offer "refund advances" or loans against your expected refund, but these cost money in fees and interest. The official Where's My Refund tool is free and shows you the actual timeline.