Who to contact depends on whether you're waiting for a federal or state refund

If you filed a federal tax return with the IRS, contact the Internal Revenue Service directly. If you filed a state return, contact your state's tax agency — the name varies by state (Department of Revenue, Tax Commission, Franchise Tax Board). The IRS and state agencies handle their own refunds separately, so you may need to contact both if you filed in both places.

The fastest way to check the status of either refund is online, without calling anyone. Both the IRS and state agencies offer refund tracking tools on their websites that tell you where your money is in the process. A phone call is useful only if the online tool shows a problem or if you need to report that you never received a refund that was supposedly sent.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS handles federal refunds; your state tax agency handles state refunds — contact the right one for the refund you're tracking.
  • Check your refund status online first using the IRS's Where's My Refund tool or your state agency's equivalent before calling.
  • You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount to look up your status online or by phone.
  • If the IRS or state says your refund was sent but you never received it, you can request a trace or replacement check.
  • Refunds typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though state refunds vary by state.

How to check your federal refund status online

Go to irs.gov and look for the "Where's My Refund?" tool. Enter your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your tax return. The tool will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, accepted it, processed it, and sent the refund out.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If you just filed, wait at least 24 hours before checking. The IRS typically accepts returns within one to two days of receipt if you filed electronically, and longer if you mailed a paper return. Once accepted, the IRS usually processes the refund within 21 days, though some returns take longer if they need review.

How to check your state refund status online

Each state runs its own refund tracking system. Search for "[your state] tax refund status" or go directly to your state's tax agency website. Most states have a tool similar to the IRS's Where's My Refund, where you enter your Social Security number and refund amount.

State processing times vary widely — some states issue refunds within two weeks, others take six weeks or longer. The state's website will usually tell you the current average wait time. If your state's tool shows no record of your return, check that you filed with the correct state agency (some states have multiple tax agencies for different types of returns).

When to call the IRS about your federal refund

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if the Where's My Refund tool shows an error, says your refund was sent but you never received it, or if you filed more than 21 days ago and the tool still shows "processing." Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready.

Wait times are longest during tax season (January through April). If you reach the IRS, they can tell you whether your refund was mailed, direct-deposited, or held for review. If it was mailed and you never received it, ask them to file a trace, which investigates whether the check was lost in the mail. A trace typically takes four to six weeks, and the IRS will either locate your original check or issue a replacement.

When to call your state tax agency about your state refund

Find your state's tax agency phone number on its website — do not rely on a number from a search result, as scam sites often appear high in search results. Call if your state's refund tool shows an error, says your refund was sent but you never received it, or if you filed more than the state's stated processing time ago.

State agencies are often busier than the IRS during tax season. Some states offer callback options instead of holding on the phone. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. If your refund was mailed and never arrived, ask the state to issue a replacement check or direct deposit.

What to do if you filed jointly but only one spouse received the refund

If you filed a joint return and the refund was split between you and your spouse — one received it by direct deposit and one by check, for example — this is usually intentional. The IRS or state may have split the refund if one spouse had a debt (unpaid student loans, child support, or back taxes) that was offset against the refund.

Contact the IRS or state agency to confirm whether an offset occurred. If an offset happened and you disagree with it, you can file a claim for injured spouse relief, which allows the spouse without the debt to recover their share of the refund. The form is IRS Form 8379 for federal refunds; state forms vary by state.

What information you'll need to have ready

Whether you check online or call, have these items available: your Social Security number (or ITIN if you filed with an ITIN), your filing status as it appears on your return (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or may have access to widow/widower), and the exact refund amount you claimed on your return.

If you filed a joint return, you may need both spouses' Social Security numbers. If you're calling on behalf of someone else, you may need a power of attorney or written authorization from that person, depending on the agency's rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a tax refund?

The IRS typically issues federal refunds within 21 days of accepting your return if you filed electronically. State refunds vary by state — some take two weeks, others take six weeks or longer. Check your state's website for its current average processing time.

What if the IRS says my refund was sent but I never got it?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to file a trace on the check. A trace investigates whether the check was lost in the mail. If the trace finds nothing after four to six weeks, the IRS will issue a replacement check or direct deposit the refund instead.

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

No. The IRS and state agencies process all returns on the same timeline regardless of who prepared them. Some tax preparation companies offer "refund advances" or loans against your expected refund, but these come with fees and interest — you receive less money than your actual refund.

What if I filed my return but the IRS has no record of it?

If you mailed a paper return, it may still be in the mail or waiting to be processed — the IRS can take several weeks to receive and scan paper returns. If you filed electronically, contact the IRS to confirm they received it. You may need to file again or provide proof of your original filing.

Do I need to contact both the IRS and my state if I filed in both places?

Only if you're waiting for both a federal and state refund. Check the status of each separately using each agency's online tool. They process refunds independently, so one may arrive before the other.