How to Check Your Income Tax Refund Status

Where to check your refund status

The IRS has a tool called Where's My Refund? that tells you the status of your federal income tax refund. 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, so checking multiple times on the same day will show the same information.

You will need three pieces of information to look up your refund: your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you have one), your filing status from your tax return, and the exact refund amount you expected. If you are not sure of the amount, check your tax return or the confirmation email or letter you received when you filed.

If you filed your return through a tax software company like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, you can also check your refund status through that company's website or app. Some tax software shows the same IRS data, while others may display it slightly differently — but the information comes from the same IRS system.

Key Takeaways

The IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds is the official place to check your federal refund status and updates once per day.
You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount you expected to use the tool.
The tool shows three possible statuses: accepted (the IRS received your return), approved (your refund was authorized), or sent (the IRS mailed or deposited your refund).
If you filed through tax software, you can also check through that company's website, though the IRS tool is the primary source.
State tax refunds are tracked separately through your state's tax agency website, not through the federal IRS tool.

What the three refund statuses mean

When you check Where's My Refund?, you will see one of three messages. Accepted means the IRS received your return and it is in the queue to be reviewed. This is the first status you will see after you file. Most returns stay in accepted status for one to three weeks.

Approved means the IRS has reviewed your return, found no problems, and authorized your refund to be paid. Once your refund is approved, the IRS needs a few more days to actually send the money — either by direct deposit to your bank account or by mailing a check. During this time, the tool will show approved status and may give you an expected delivery date.

Sent means the IRS has sent your refund. If you chose direct deposit, the money should arrive in your bank account within one to two business days after the sent date. If you are receiving a check by mail, it typically arrives within seven to ten business days, though this can vary depending on mail delivery in your area.

When your refund is delayed or stuck

If your return has been in accepted status for more than three weeks, or if Where's My Refund? shows a message that your return is being reviewed, the IRS may have flagged something on your return that needs attention. Common reasons include a mismatch between the income reported on your return and what employers or banks reported to the IRS, a missing or incorrect Social Security number, or a math error.

The IRS will usually send you a letter by mail explaining what they need from you. Check your mailbox regularly — these letters can take one to two weeks to arrive after you file. The letter will tell you exactly what information to send back and where to send it. Do not ignore these letters, because the IRS cannot process your refund until they receive your response.

If you have not received a letter but your refund is delayed, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with someone who can look up your specific return. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready when you call. Wait times are often long, especially during tax season (January through April), so consider calling early in the morning or later in the week.

Checking your state tax refund separately

Your state income tax refund is tracked through your state's tax agency, not through the federal IRS tool. Each state has its own website and its own timeline for processing refunds. Some states process refunds faster than the federal government, while others take longer.

To find your state's refund tracker, search online for "[your state] tax refund status" or visit your state's tax agency website directly. Most states have a similar tool to the federal Where's My Refund? — you enter your Social Security number and refund amount, and the system shows you where your refund is in the process. A few states require you to create an online account first.

If you filed your state and federal returns at the same time through the same tax software, your state refund may arrive on a different schedule than your federal refund. This is normal. Some people receive their federal refund within two weeks but wait four to six weeks for their state refund, or vice versa.

What to do if you never received your refund

If Where's My Refund? shows your refund was sent but you have not received it after the expected delivery date, the next step depends on how you chose to receive the money. If you selected direct deposit, check your bank account to make sure the deposit did not go to a different account — for example, if you changed banks since you filed your return, the IRS may have sent it to your old account.

If you chose to receive a check by mail and it has been more than ten business days since the sent date, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. They can tell you whether the check was mailed and, if it was, can issue a replacement check. You will need to provide your Social Security number and the refund amount. The IRS can also put a stop on the original check if it was lost in the mail, so the money does not end up in someone else's hands.

For state refunds, follow the same process: check your bank account if you chose direct deposit, and contact your state's tax agency if a mailed check did not arrive. Your state's tax agency contact information is on their website.

Protecting yourself from refund scams

Be cautious of emails, texts, or phone calls claiming to be from the IRS about your refund. The real IRS does not contact people by email or text about refunds. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the IRS and asking for personal information, Social Security number, or bank details, it is a scam.

The official IRS website is irs.gov — not irs.com or any other variation. If you are unsure whether a website is real, type irs.gov directly into your browser rather than clicking a link in an email. The IRS Where's My Refund? tool is free and does not require you to create an account or read anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Where's My Refund update?

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times on the same day will show the same status. If your status changes, it will appear the next day.

Can I check my refund status if I filed through a tax professional or accountant?

Yes. You can use Where's My Refund? with your Social Security number and refund amount, just as you would if you filed yourself. Your tax professional may also be able to check the status for you if you gave them permission to represent you to the IRS.

What does it mean if Where's My Refund says there is no record of my return?

This usually means the IRS has not yet received and processed your return. If you filed electronically, wait one to two business days and check again. If you mailed a paper return, it can take three to four weeks for the IRS to receive and enter it into their system.

Will my refund arrive faster if I chose direct deposit instead of a check?

Yes. Direct deposit is typically one to two business days faster than a mailed check. If you are expecting a refund and have not yet filed, choosing direct deposit will get your money to you sooner.

Can I change my refund delivery method after I file?

No. Once you file your return, you cannot change whether you receive your refund by direct deposit or check. If you made a mistake on your return, you would need to file an amended return, but this is usually not worth doing just to change the delivery method.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.