How to Track Your Tax Refund in 2024

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

The IRS operates a tool called Where's My Refund? at irs.gov that shows you the real-time status of your 2024 tax refund. You enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool then tells you whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has sent the money out.

This tool works for federal tax refunds only. It does not work for state refunds, amended returns, or refunds from prior years. The IRS updates the information once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in a single day will not show new information.

You can also track your refund by phone by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The phone line is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time.

Key Takeaways

Go to irs.gov/refunds and use Where's My Refund? with your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount to check your status.
The tool updates once per day and shows whether your return is being processed, approved, or sent to your bank or mailed as a check.
Most refunds arrive within 21 days of the IRS approving your return, but some take longer if the return needs review.
If you filed by mail or your return was flagged for review, the IRS may contact you by letter with next steps.
Refunds sent by direct deposit arrive in your bank account; refunds sent by check arrive by mail and take longer.

What the Where's My Refund tool actually tells you

The tool shows one of three statuses. Return Received means the IRS has your return but is still processing it. Approved means the IRS has approved your return and is preparing to send the money. Sent means the refund has left the IRS and is on its way to you.

When the status shows Sent, the tool also displays the date the refund 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 the IRS is mailing a check, it typically arrives within seven to ten business days, though mail delays can extend this.

If your status has not changed in more than 21 days since you filed, or if the tool says your return is still being processed after that time, the IRS may be reviewing your return for errors, missing information, or fraud indicators. In that case, watch your mail for a letter from the IRS explaining what they need from you.

Why your refund might be delayed

The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, but some returns move to the back of the line. Returns with math errors, missing information, or mismatched income data take longer. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS holds your refund until mid-February by law, even if your return is otherwise complete.

Returns filed by mail take longer than returns filed electronically. A paper return can take four to six weeks to process, while an electronic return usually processes within two to three weeks. If you filed by mail and your return has not shown up in Where's My Refund? within two weeks, it may still be in the mail room.

Identity theft and fraud checks also delay refunds. If the IRS suspects your return may be fraudulent, they will hold it for review. This can add two to four weeks to your timeline. The IRS will contact you by mail if this happens.

What to do if Where's My Refund shows an error or stops updating

If the tool says there is an error with your return, do not file again. Filing a second return creates a duplicate and makes the problem worse. Instead, wait for a letter from the IRS explaining the error. The letter will tell you what information is missing or what needs to be corrected, and how to send it back.

If your status has not changed in more than 21 days and the tool does not explain why, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is in review, whether a letter is on the way, or whether there is a processing problem on their end.

If you filed electronically and your refund was supposed to arrive by direct deposit but did not show up in your bank account, contact your bank first. Ask them to search for the deposit using the trace number the IRS provided. If the bank confirms the IRS never sent the money, call the IRS to report it. The IRS can reissue the refund as a check, though this adds another week or two.

Direct deposit versus check—which arrives first

Direct deposit is faster. Once the IRS approves your return and sends the refund, the money reaches your bank account within one to two business days. A check takes seven to ten business days to arrive by mail, and you then have to deposit it yourself before the money is in your account.

If you chose direct deposit but the IRS could not deposit the money—because the account number was wrong or the account was closed—the IRS will mail a check instead. This adds a week to your timeline. To avoid this, double-check your account number and routing number before you file.

If you filed on paper and did not specify direct deposit, the IRS will mail a check. There is no way to change this to direct deposit once the return is filed. You will have to wait for the check to arrive.

How to report a missing or lost refund check

If Where's My Refund shows your refund was sent by check but you have not received it after ten business days, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you the check number and the date it was mailed. You can then file a claim with the U.S. Postal Service or ask your bank to stop payment on the check and request a replacement.

The IRS can reissue a check, but it takes four to six weeks. During that time, the original check is still valid if it shows up. If both checks arrive, you must return one to the IRS or you will owe the money back.

If you suspect the check was stolen from your mail, file a report with the Postal Service and the IRS. The IRS can flag your account and watch for fraud.

State refunds and amended returns are not on the federal tracker

Where's My Refund tracks only your federal refund. If you are also owed a state refund, you will need to check your state's tax agency website. Most states have their own refund tracking tool, and the process is similar to the federal tool—you enter your Social Security number and filing information.

If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X) for 2024, Where's My Refund will not show the status of that amended return. Amended returns are processed separately and take longer—usually eight to twelve weeks. The IRS will contact you by mail when your amended return is approved.

If you filed an amended return and Where's My Refund still shows your original return status, that is normal. The tool does not update for amended returns until the IRS has fully processed the amendment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Where's My Refund update?

The IRS updates the tool once per day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times in a single day will show the same information. If your status has not changed in several days, that does not mean something is wrong—processing takes time.

What if I filed my 2024 return in 2025 but Where's My Refund says it cannot find my return?

The tool may not recognize your return for up to 24 hours after you file electronically, or up to two weeks if you filed by mail. If the tool still cannot find your return after that time, call the IRS to confirm they received it.

Can I change my refund from a check to direct deposit after I file?

No. Once you file, you cannot change the refund method. If you chose a check and want direct deposit instead, you will have to wait for the check to arrive, deposit it, and then request a refund of that deposit—which is not practical. For future years, choose direct deposit when you file.

What does it mean if Where's My Refund says my return is still being processed after 21 days?

It means the IRS is reviewing your return for errors, missing information, or fraud indicators. Watch your mail for a letter from the IRS explaining what they need. Do not file again or contact the IRS unless the letter asks you to.

If I filed electronically, why does Where's My Refund still show my return as received after two weeks?

Electronic returns usually process within two to three weeks, but some take longer if they are flagged for review. If your status has not changed after three weeks, call the IRS to ask whether your return is in review or whether there is a processing delay.

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.