Where to check your refund status depends on which tax system issued it
The IRS runs Where's My Refund?, a tool on IRS.gov that shows the status of your federal refund. Most states run their own separate tracking systems on their tax department websites. You cannot check a state refund through the federal system, and you cannot check a federal refund through a state system — they are completely separate. The tool you use depends on which refund you are tracking.
Both systems work the same way: you enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount, and the system tells you whether the IRS or your state is still processing it, has approved it, or has sent it out. The information updates once per day, usually overnight.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS Where's My Refund tool at IRS.gov tracks only federal refunds; your state tax department website tracks state refunds.
- Both tools update once daily and require your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount you expect.
- Federal refunds typically arrive within 21 days of IRS approval if you chose direct deposit; state timelines vary by state.
- If your refund shows as approved but has not arrived after the stated timeframe, contact the IRS or your state tax department directly.
- Refunds sent by check take longer than direct deposit and may be delayed by mail delivery issues.
How to use IRS Where's My Refund for federal refunds
Go to IRS.gov and search for "Where's My Refund" — it is the first result. Click the tool and enter three pieces of information: your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household), and the exact refund amount shown on your tax return. The system will then show you one of three statuses: still being processed, approved and scheduled for delivery, or delivered.
The tool tells you the expected delivery date once your refund is approved. If you chose direct deposit, the IRS typically sends the money within 21 days of approval. If you chose a check, add 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery after the IRS mails it. The tool updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern time, so checking multiple times in the same day will not show new information.
How to find your state refund status
Each state tax department maintains its own refund tracker. Search "[your state] tax refund status" or go directly to your state's tax department website — for example, the California Franchise Tax Board, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, or the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Look for a link labeled "refund status," "track your refund," or "where's my refund."
Enter the same information you would use for the federal tool: your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. State systems vary in how often they update — some update daily, others every few days — so check your state's website to see how frequently it refreshes. State refund timelines also vary widely: some states process refunds in 2 to 3 weeks, while others take 6 to 8 weeks or longer, depending on the state's processing capacity and whether your return was flagged for review.
What each refund status means
When you check your refund, the system will show you a status message. "Still being processed" means the IRS or your state is reviewing your return and has not yet approved the refund. This is the normal first status and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. "Approved" means the IRS or your state has finished reviewing your return and has authorized the refund to be sent. Once approved, the system will show you the delivery date.
"Delivered" or "Sent" means the money has been issued. For direct deposit, this means the funds have been transferred to your bank account — they may take 1 to 2 business days to appear depending on your bank. For a check, this means the IRS or your state has mailed it, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. If the system shows delivered but you have not received the money after the expected timeframe, contact the IRS or your state tax department.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If your refund shows as still being processed after the typical timeframe for your filing method, your return may be flagged for review. This happens when the IRS or your state needs to verify information on your return — commonly because of math errors, missing information, or items that triggered an automated review. You will receive a letter in the mail if this happens. Do not contact the agency until you receive the letter, as calling before then will not speed up the process.
If your refund shows as approved or delivered but the money has not arrived after the stated timeframe, contact the IRS or your state tax department directly. For the IRS, call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. For your state, search "[your state] tax department phone number" to find the correct contact line. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The agency can tell you whether the refund was actually sent and, if it was sent by check, whether it was lost in the mail.
Direct deposit versus check delivery times
The method you chose to receive your refund affects how long it takes to arrive. Direct deposit is faster: once the IRS or your state approves your refund, the money is transferred electronically to your bank account within 1 to 2 business days. The refund status tool will show the expected deposit date. Check refunds take longer because the IRS or your state must print and mail the check, then the postal service must deliver it. The total time from approval to arrival is typically 7 to 10 business days, but can be longer if the check is lost or delayed in the mail.
If you filed your return on paper rather than electronically, the IRS or your state will take longer to process it before it even reaches the approval stage — typically 4 to 6 weeks instead of 2 to 3 weeks for electronic returns. Once approved, the delivery timeline is the same as above.
Tracking a refund after an amended return
If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X for federal, or your state's amended return form), your refund status will be different. The IRS and most states process amended returns separately from original returns, and they take longer — typically 8 to 12 weeks or more. The Where's My Refund tool will show the status of your amended return if you enter the correct refund amount from the amended return.
Some states do not have a separate amended return tracker, so you may need to call your state tax department to check the status. Have your original return filing date, the date you filed the amended return, and your refund amount ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Where's My Refund tool say I need to wait longer?
The IRS and state systems show a longer wait time when your return is still being reviewed or when there is a backlog. If the tool says to wait, your return has not been approved yet. Calling will not change the timeline. Check the tool again in a few days.
Can I track my refund if I filed jointly with my spouse?
Yes. Use the Social Security number of whoever is listed first on the return, select the correct filing status (married filing jointly), and enter the total refund amount. Both spouses will receive the refund in the account or to the address listed on the return.
What if the refund amount in the tool does not match what I expected?
The tool shows the amount the IRS or your state approved, which may differ from what you calculated if the agency made adjustments. Check your return for math errors or missing information. If you disagree with the amount, you will receive a letter explaining the adjustment.
How do I know if my check refund was lost in the mail?
If the tool shows your refund was sent by check more than 10 business days ago and you have not received it, contact the IRS or your state tax department. They can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, send the refund by direct deposit instead.
Can I change my refund delivery method after I file?
No. Once you file your return and choose direct deposit or check, you cannot change it. If you need to change the bank account for direct deposit, you must file an amended return, which will delay your refund by several weeks.