You can check your refund status from your phone using the IRS Free File tool, your state tax agency's website, or by calling the IRS directly—but the method depends on what kind of refund you're tracking and whether you filed federal, state, or both.

If you filed a federal tax return, the IRS Where's My Refund tool is the fastest way to check from your phone. Go to irs.gov on your phone's browser, find the "Where's My Refund" link, and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, and tells you whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has sent it out.

State refunds work differently. Each state runs its own system, and you'll need to visit your state's tax agency website directly. A few states offer text message updates if you opt in during filing, but most require you to check their website the same way you would on a computer.

If you can't access a website or prefer to speak to someone, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Wait times are longest in March and April, but the line is open year-round. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov updates once per day and shows whether your federal return is processing, approved, or sent.
  • State refunds require checking your state tax agency's website directly, because each state maintains its own tracking system.
  • You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return to use any tracking tool.
  • The IRS phone line 1-800-829-1040 works year-round but has long wait times during tax season (March through May).
  • If you filed through a tax preparer or software company, they may also offer refund tracking through their own website or app.

What the IRS Where's My Refund tool actually tells you

The tool shows you one of three statuses: "Still processing," "Approved," or "Sent." If it says "Still processing," your return is in the queue and you should check back in a few days. The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receipt, but complex returns or those with errors can take longer.

If it says "Approved," the IRS has finished reviewing your return and your refund is on its way. The tool will then tell you the expected deposit date if you chose direct deposit, or the date your check will be mailed if you asked for a paper check. Direct deposit typically arrives within two business days of the approval date; checks take 7 to 10 business days from the mailing date.

If the tool says "Sent" but you haven't received your money, check your bank account for a pending deposit. If you filed for direct deposit, the money should appear within two business days. If you requested a check and it's been more than 10 business days since the mailing date shown in the tool, the check may have been lost in the mail.

Tracking a state refund from your phone

State tax agencies don't use a single system, so the steps vary. Most states have a "Check Refund Status" or "Where's My Refund" page on their tax agency website. Search "[your state] tax refund status" in your phone's browser to find the right page quickly.

You'll usually need your Social Security number and the refund amount. Some states also ask for your filing status or the date you filed. Enter the information and the system will show you whether your state return is processing, approved, or sent.

A few states—including California, New York, and Texas—offer text message updates if you opted in when you filed. If you did, you'll receive a text when your refund is approved and another when it's deposited. Check your filing confirmation email to see whether you signed up for this service.

What to do if the tracking tool shows nothing

If you enter your information and the tool says it has no record of your return, the most common reason is that your return hasn't been received or processed yet. Wait at least five business days after you filed before checking. If you filed by mail, allow 21 days for the IRS to receive and log it into the system.

If you filed electronically and it's been more than five business days, check your filing confirmation email. It should show an acceptance number and the date the IRS received your return. If you don't have that email, you may have filed but not received confirmation—call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your Social Security number so they can search their records.

If you filed through a tax preparer or software company, contact them first. They can confirm whether they actually submitted your return to the IRS. Some preparers hold returns for a few days before filing, and some software platforms require you to take an extra step to finalize submission.

Using a tax software app to track your refund

If you filed through TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or another software platform, you can usually track your refund within that app without going to the IRS website. Log into your account on your phone, look for a "Refund Status" or "Track My Refund" section, and the app will pull the information from the IRS for you.

The app version is often faster to load on a phone than the IRS website, and some apps send you a notification when your refund status changes. However, the information comes from the same IRS system, so you'll see the same status and timeline as you would on irs.gov.

If you filed through a local tax preparer's office rather than a national software company, ask them whether they offer refund tracking. Some do; others ask you to check the IRS tool directly.

When your refund is delayed or missing

If the tracking tool shows your refund was sent but you haven't received it after the expected timeframe, the next step depends on how you filed. For direct deposit, wait at least two business days after the approval date. Banks sometimes show deposits as pending for a day before they clear.

If it's been more than two business days and the money still hasn't appeared, call your bank's customer service line and give them the approval date from the IRS tool. Ask them to search for a pending deposit under your name and Social Security number. If the bank has no record of it, the IRS may have sent it to the wrong account number.

For paper checks, wait at least 10 business days from the mailing date. If it's been longer and you haven't received it, the check may have been lost or stolen. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to issue a replacement check. They'll need your Social Security number and the refund amount. Replacement checks take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive.

What information you need before you call or check online

Have these three things ready before you use any tracking tool or call the IRS: your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household), and the exact refund amount from your tax return. If you don't have the refund amount memorized, check your filing confirmation email or the copy of your return you kept.

If you're checking a state refund, you may also need the date you filed or the date you mailed your return. Keep this information handy so you don't have to search for it while you're on the phone or waiting for a page to load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I track my refund if someone else filed my taxes?

Yes, but only if you have the exact refund amount from the return. If a tax preparer or family member filed for you and you don't know the amount, contact them and ask. You'll need that number to use any tracking tool. The IRS won't tell you the refund amount over the phone for privacy reasons.

Why does the tracking tool say my refund was sent but my bank shows nothing?

Direct deposits can take up to two business days to appear in your account after the IRS sends them, and your bank may show them as pending before they clear. If it's been more than two business days, call your bank and ask them to search for the deposit. If they find nothing, the IRS may have sent it to the wrong account number and you'll need to call the IRS to request a replacement.

How often does the refund tracking tool update?

The IRS Where's My Refund tool updates once per day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times in the same day won't show you new information. If your return is still processing, check back every few days rather than daily.

What if I filed both federal and state taxes—do I check them separately?

Yes. The IRS tracks federal refunds on irs.gov, and your state tracks state refunds on your state tax agency's website. They're separate systems and may process at different speeds. Your federal refund may arrive before your state refund, or vice versa.

Can I change my refund to a different bank account after I've filed?

No. Once you file, the bank account information is locked in. If you entered the wrong account number and your refund was sent to the wrong bank, you'll need to contact that bank to see if they can redirect it. If they can't, call the IRS and request a replacement check instead.