Check your refund status with the IRS before you look anywhere else

The fastest way to find your refund is to use the IRS's own tracking tool, called Where's My Refund? You can access it on IRS.gov without logging in. 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. If you filed electronically, the IRS typically processes your return within 21 days. If you mailed a paper return, allow up to four weeks before checking. The tool will tell you whether your refund is still being processed, approved, or on its way to your bank account.

If you filed through a tax preparer or software company, that company may also have its own tracking system. Check your email for a link or log into the account where you filed. Some preparers send status updates automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS's Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov is the official source and updates once daily, usually overnight.
  • You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount to check your status.
  • Electronic returns typically process within 21 days; paper returns take up to four weeks.
  • If your refund shows as approved but has not arrived in your bank account, contact your bank to confirm the deposit was received.
  • If the tool shows an error or your refund is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, the IRS phone line can provide next steps.

What the status messages mean

Return received means the IRS has your return but has not started processing it yet. This is normal for the first few days after filing.

Return approved means the IRS has reviewed your return and found no issues. Your refund is being prepared to send to your bank. This stage usually takes a few days.

Refund sent means the IRS has sent your money to your bank. If you chose direct deposit, it should arrive within one to two business days after this status appears. If you chose a check by mail, allow five to seven business days.

If the tool shows your refund was sent but you have not received it after the expected time, your bank may have rejected the deposit. This can happen if your account number or routing number was entered incorrectly on your return. Contact your bank directly to ask whether they received a deposit attempt.

When your refund is delayed

Some returns take longer than 21 days. The IRS delays processing when it needs to verify information on your return — for example, if you claimed a large child tax credit or education credit, or if your return shows a loss that can be carried back to a previous year.

The Where's My Refund tool will show you if your return is under review. If it does, the tool will give you an expected date when processing should be complete. Do not file an amended return or contact the IRS before that date, because it will slow things down further.

If your return is delayed and you need the money urgently, you have no way to speed up the IRS's review. You cannot request expedited processing. Your only option is to wait for the date the tool provides.

If your refund shows an error or disappears from tracking

Occasionally the Where's My Refund tool will show that your return has an error — for example, a math mistake or a missing signature. If this happens, the tool will tell you what to do. Usually you will need to send a corrected return or sign and return a form the IRS mails to you.

If your refund status disappears from the tool entirely, or if the tool says it cannot find your return, your return may not have been received by the IRS. This sometimes happens with paper returns mailed to the wrong address. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm whether they have your return on file.

Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the date you mailed or filed your return ready when you call. The IRS phone lines are busiest in March and April, so expect a wait.

Refunds sent to the wrong account or address

If you entered the wrong bank account number or routing number on your return, the IRS will send your refund to that account. Your bank will reject the deposit if the account does not exist or if the number does not match the account holder's name on file.

When a bank rejects a deposit, the IRS receives a notice and stops the refund. The Where's My Refund tool will eventually show that your refund was rejected. The IRS will then mail you a check to the address on your return. This process takes several weeks after the rejection.

If you need to correct your bank information before the rejection happens, you cannot do it through the Where's My Refund tool. You must file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the correct account information. This is slower than waiting for the rejection and check, so most people choose to wait.

Paper checks and address changes

If you chose to receive your refund by check instead of direct deposit, the IRS will mail it to the address on your return. If you have moved since you filed, the check may go to your old address.

The Where's My Refund tool will show when your check was mailed. If you have moved, contact the post office and file a mail forwarding request. The post office will forward your check to your new address at no cost.

If your check was mailed more than 60 days ago and you still have not received it, you can request a replacement check. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and tell them your check was lost. They will issue a new one, but it takes several weeks.

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 multiple times in one day will show the same status. If your status has not changed after several days, your return may be under review or waiting for additional information.

Can I call the IRS to find out about my refund faster?

The IRS phone line can tell you the same information as the Where's My Refund tool, but calling does not speed up processing. Call 1-800-829-1040 only if the tool is not working or if your return is delayed beyond the expected timeframe and you need to know why.

What if I filed my taxes through a tax preparer — where do I check?

Start with the Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov. If your preparer also offers tracking through their own website or app, you can use that too, but it will show the same information. Some preparers send email updates automatically when your status changes.

My refund status says it was sent, but I haven't received it. What do I do?

If you chose direct deposit, wait one to two business days after the "sent" status appears. If you chose a check, wait five to seven business days. If you still have not received it after that, contact your bank (for direct deposit) or the post office (for a check) to confirm it was not delivered to the wrong place.

Can I change my bank account information after I file?

Not directly through the IRS. If you entered the wrong account number, you can file an amended return with the correct information, but this is slower than waiting for the bank to reject the deposit and the IRS to mail you a check instead. Most people wait for the check.