Start with the IRS, but only after checking the basics

If you filed your tax return and expected a refund that hasn't shown up, the IRS is the right place to start — but not before you check three things first. The IRS processes millions of refunds, and most delays are caught by looking at your own records rather than calling a government office.

Before you call anyone, verify that you actually filed a return (some people think they did but didn't complete it), confirm the address on file with the IRS matches where you live now, and check whether your bank rejected the deposit for any reason. If your refund was supposed to go to a closed account or an account with a different name on it, the IRS will hold it — and you'll need to claim it, not chase it.

Once you've checked those three things, the IRS has a phone line and a website tool to track your refund status. Both are free, and both are run directly by the IRS itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov shows your refund status without calling, and updates once per day.
  • If the tool says your refund was sent but you never received it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it and request a trace.
  • A refund trace takes about four weeks, and the IRS will either find the money or issue you a new check.
  • If you filed through a tax preparer or software company, contact them first if you used their bank account for the refund deposit.
  • State tax refunds are handled separately by your state's tax agency, not the IRS.

Using the IRS Where's My Refund tool online

The fastest way to check your refund status is the IRS Where's My Refund tool at IRS.gov. You don't need to call anyone — you enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return, and the tool tells you where your refund is in the process.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If it says "approved" or "sent," your refund is on its way. If it says "pending," the IRS is still processing your return — this can take several weeks, especially early in tax season or if your return needed extra review. If it says "sent" but you never received the money, that's when you call the IRS.

You'll need the exact refund amount as you filed it, not an estimate. If you don't remember the number, find your filed return or the confirmation email from your tax software.

Calling the IRS refund line

The IRS refund phone line is 1-800-829-1040. It's open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. Wait times are often long, especially between January and April, so call early in the morning or late in the week if you can.

When you call, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. Tell the representative that you filed your return and the Where's My Refund tool shows your refund was sent, but you never received it. They will file a refund trace — a formal request to track down where the money went.

A refund trace takes about four weeks. The IRS will either locate your refund (if it was sent to the wrong address or account) or issue you a replacement check. The representative will give you a case number — write it down and keep it.

If your refund went to the wrong bank account

If you filed your return with a refund going to a bank account, and that account was closed, had a different name on it, or belonged to someone else, the bank will reject the deposit. The IRS will then hold your refund and wait for you to claim it.

When you call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, explain that your refund was sent to an account that couldn't receive it. The IRS can reissue your refund to a different account, or mail you a check instead. You'll need to provide the correct account information if you want it deposited again, or confirm your current mailing address if you want a check.

This process also takes about four weeks from the time you call.

Contacting your tax preparer or software company

If you used a tax preparer (an accountant, tax service, or tax attorney) or tax software (like TurboTax, H&R Block online, or TaxAct), and your refund was supposed to go to an account they provided, contact them first. Some tax preparers and software companies use their own accounts to receive refunds temporarily, then forward them to you — and delays often happen at that step.

Ask your preparer or software company whether they received your refund and when they sent it to you. If they received it but you didn't, they may be able to trace it faster than the IRS can. If they never received it, they can help you contact the IRS together.

Keep any confirmation emails or receipts from your tax preparer or software company — you may need them if you have to file a dispute later.

State tax refunds are separate from federal refunds

If you're waiting for a state tax refund (from your state's income tax return), that's handled by your state's tax agency, not the IRS. Each state has its own refund tracking system and phone line.

To find your state's tax agency, search "[your state] tax refund status" or "[your state] department of revenue." Most states have an online tool similar to the IRS Where's My Refund tool. If your state refund is delayed, call your state's tax office, not the IRS.

What to do if the IRS says your return was never filed

If you call the IRS and they tell you your return was never received, or if the Where's My Refund tool says "return not found," you may not have completed your filing. This happens when people start a return in tax software but don't hit "submit" or "e-file," or when they printed a return but forgot to mail it.

If this is the case, you'll need to file your return now, even if the original important date has passed. The IRS charges a penalty for late filing, but you can request a penalty waiver if this is your first late return. File as soon as you can — the longer you wait, the more interest accrues on any taxes owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a refund after filing?

The IRS aims to issue most refunds within 21 days of accepting your return. However, this varies depending on how you filed (e-file is faster than mailing a paper return) and whether your return needs extra review. Early in tax season, refunds can take longer.

Can I call the IRS on weekends or holidays?

No. The IRS refund line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. It's closed on weekends and federal holidays. Calling early in the morning or late in the week usually means shorter wait times.

What if I filed my return more than a year ago and still haven't received the refund?

Contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040. Refunds that go unclaimed for three years are kept by the U.S. Treasury, though you can still request them after that. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to locate your refund.

Do I need to file an amended return if my refund was sent to the wrong account?

No. You don't need to amend your return. straightforward call the IRS and report that your refund went to the wrong account. They will reissue it to the correct account or address without requiring you to refile.

What if I'm still waiting after calling the IRS four weeks ago?

Call the IRS again with your case number from the first call. The representative can check the status of your refund trace. If the trace is complete and your refund still hasn't arrived, the IRS can issue a replacement check or investigate further.