How to check your refund status in TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer does not hold your refund once it has been filed. The IRS processes the return and sends the money to you directly. To see where your refund is, you need to check with the IRS, not TaxSlayer, because TaxSlayer's job ends when your return is transmitted.

The fastest way to check is the IRS's Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in the same day will show the same status.

You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to a representative, though wait times are often long. Text message updates are available if you provide your phone number when you file, though not all filing methods support this.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS processes your refund after TaxSlayer files it, so you check status with the IRS, not TaxSlayer, using the Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov.
  • The tool updates once daily and requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to look up your return.
  • Standard refunds take 21 days from the date the IRS receives your return, though some take longer if the return needs review.
  • If your refund is delayed past the expected date, the IRS will send you a notice explaining why, usually within 60 days of filing.
  • Direct deposit refunds arrive faster than paper checks, typically within 5 to 7 business days once the IRS approves the return.

What the refund status messages mean

When you check Where's My Refund, you will see one of three messages. Refund approved means the IRS has processed your return and your money is on the way. If you chose direct deposit, it will land in your bank account within 5 to 7 business days from the approval date. If you chose a paper check, allow 7 to 10 business days for delivery by mail.

Refund sent means the IRS has already released the money. If you set up direct deposit, check your bank account—it may arrive the same day or within one business day. If you are receiving a check, it is in the mail. The tool will show you the expected delivery date.

Return received means the IRS has your return but has not finished processing it yet. This is normal. The IRS typically takes 21 days to process a return from the date it is received. If your return needs additional review—for example, because of a math error or a mismatch between your return and IRS records—processing takes longer, sometimes 60 days or more.

Why your refund might be delayed

The most common reason for delay is a mismatch between what you reported and what the IRS already has on file. This includes discrepancies in income (W-2s, 1099s, or other income documents), Social Security numbers, or dependent information. The IRS will send you a notice if this happens, usually within 60 days of filing.

Refunds are also delayed if you claim certain credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). The IRS holds these returns for additional review to prevent fraud. By law, the IRS cannot release these refunds before February 15 of the year you file, even if your return is complete and correct. This is called the EITC holding period.

Identity theft or fraud flags can also slow processing. If the IRS suspects your return may be fraudulent, it will hold the refund while it investigates. You will receive a notice if this occurs, and you may need to provide additional documents to verify your identity.

Paper checks take longer than direct deposits because they must be printed and mailed. If you chose a check and it has been more than 10 business days since the IRS said your refund was sent, contact the IRS to report it as potentially lost in the mail.

What to do if your refund is missing or very late

If the Where's My Refund tool says your refund was sent but you have not received it after the expected delivery window, the first step is to confirm the delivery method. Log into your TaxSlayer account and review your return to see whether you chose direct deposit or a paper check. If you chose direct deposit, check with your bank to see if the deposit was rejected or returned—this can happen if your account number was entered incorrectly or the account was closed.

If your bank confirms the deposit was never received, or if you chose a paper check and it has not arrived, contact the IRS directly. Call 1-800-829-1040 and tell them your refund status. The IRS can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, reissue the refund by direct deposit if you provide corrected banking information. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount.

If the Where's My Refund tool shows no status at all—meaning your return does not appear in the system—your return may not have been filed successfully. This can happen if there was an error during transmission or if TaxSlayer encountered a technical problem. Log into your TaxSlayer account and check whether your return shows as "filed" or "pending." If it shows as pending, you may need to resubmit it or contact TaxSlayer support to troubleshoot.

How long refunds actually take, step by step

The timeline depends on how you file and what is in your return. If you file electronically with direct deposit and your return is straightforward with no flags, the process typically takes 21 days from the date the IRS receives your return. This is the IRS's standard processing window.

If you claim the EITC or ACTC, add at least 21 days to that timeline, because the IRS holds these returns until February 15 regardless of when you file. If you file in January and claim these credits, your refund will not be released until mid-February at the earliest.

If your return is selected for review—because of a discrepancy, a math error, or fraud concerns—processing can take 60 days or longer. The IRS will send you a notice explaining what they need. Respond promptly with the requested documents to speed up the process.

Paper checks add 7 to 10 business days to the timeline after the IRS approves your refund. So a straightforward return filed electronically with a paper check might take 28 to 31 days total.

When to contact TaxSlayer versus the IRS

Contact TaxSlayer only if your return did not file successfully or if you believe there is an error in how TaxSlayer prepared your return. TaxSlayer support can help you troubleshoot filing errors, correct information in your return before it is filed, or resubmit a return that failed to transmit. They cannot speed up IRS processing or tell you where your refund is.

Contact the IRS for everything related to your refund status, delays, or missing money. The IRS is the only body that can tell you where your refund is, why it is delayed, or issue a replacement if it is lost. Call 1-800-829-1040 or use the Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov.

If you received a notice from the IRS asking for more information, respond directly to the IRS using the address on the notice. Do not send documents to TaxSlayer—the IRS will not receive them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can TaxSlayer speed up my refund?

No. TaxSlayer files your return and then has no control over how fast the IRS processes it. The IRS sets the timeline. Paying for expedited filing through TaxSlayer does not make the IRS process your return faster—it only speeds up TaxSlayer's internal filing process, which is usually same-day anyway.

What if the Where's My Refund tool says I have no record?

Your return may not have filed successfully. Log into TaxSlayer and check whether your return status shows as "filed" or "pending." If it is pending, resubmit it. If it shows as filed but the IRS has no record, contact TaxSlayer support to confirm the return was transmitted, then contact the IRS to report the discrepancy.

Why does the IRS hold refunds with the EITC or ACTC?

The IRS holds these refunds until February 15 by law to prevent fraud and verify that you are truly may have access to to these credits. This is not a delay caused by your return—it is a mandatory hold that applies to all returns claiming these credits, regardless of filing date.

Can I get my refund as a direct deposit instead of a check?

Only if you have not received your check yet. Once the IRS has issued a check, you cannot change the delivery method. If your check is lost, contact the IRS and ask them to reissue it by direct deposit if you provide corrected banking information.

How do I know if my refund was rejected by my bank?

Contact your bank and ask whether a deposit from the IRS was received and rejected. Provide them with the date the IRS said your refund was sent. If the deposit was rejected, the IRS will reissue it, usually by check. You can also contact the IRS and ask them to reissue by direct deposit to a different account if you provide the corrected information.