Check the IRS tracking tool first

The IRS has a free tool called Where's My Refund? that tells you the exact status of your return and when the money will land in your account. Go to irs.gov, find the tool on the homepage, and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount you expect. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.

The tool will show you one of three statuses: your return is being processed, your refund has been approved and a payment date has been set, or your refund has been sent. If it says your refund was sent but you haven't received it, the money is either in transit or there's a problem with your bank account information.

If you filed by paper, the tool may not show your return for up to four weeks after you mailed it. If you filed electronically, it should appear within 24 hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Where's My Refund? on irs.gov is the only official IRS tool that shows your real refund status and expected arrival date.
  • Most refunds arrive within 21 days of the IRS approving your return, but delays happen when the IRS needs to verify your identity or review your return.
  • If your refund was sent but didn't arrive, contact your bank first — the problem is usually a wrong account number or a hold on your account.
  • If the IRS says your refund was sent more than seven business days ago and you still haven't received it, file a claim with the IRS by calling 800-829-1040.

Why refunds get delayed

The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of approval, but several things can slow that down. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the law requires the IRS to hold your return until mid-February, even if you filed in January. If you claimed both credits, the hold extends to mid-February regardless of filing date.

The IRS also delays returns when it detects a mismatch between your return and other records — a W-2 that doesn't match, income reported to the IRS that you didn't report, or a Social Security number problem. These reviews can add two to four weeks. If the IRS needs to verify your identity, it will mail you a letter asking for documents; you won't see a delay in Where's My Refund? until you respond.

Paper returns take longer than electronic ones. The IRS typically processes paper returns within 21 days of receipt, but mail delays mean your return may not reach the IRS for one to two weeks after you send it.

What to do if your refund was sent but didn't arrive

If Where's My Refund? says your refund was sent and the date has passed, the money is either stuck in your bank account or it went to the wrong account. Call your bank first and ask if the deposit is pending or if there's a hold on your account. Some banks hold large deposits for a few days, and some flag tax refunds as suspicious activity.

If your bank has no record of the deposit, the IRS may have sent it to the wrong account. This happens when you enter your account number incorrectly on your return or when your bank account closed between the time you filed and the time the IRS sent the money. Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and give them your Social Security number and filing status. They can tell you which account the refund was sent to and help you file a claim if the money went to a closed account or an account that isn't yours.

If more than seven business days have passed since the IRS says your refund was sent and you still haven't received it, the IRS will issue you a check by mail instead. This takes an additional two to four weeks.

How to file a claim for a missing refund

If the IRS sent your refund more than 120 days ago and you still haven't received it, you can file a claim. Call 800-829-1040 and tell them your refund is missing. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS will investigate and either reissue your refund as a check or help you recover the money from your bank if it was deposited to the wrong account.

If you filed a joint return and your spouse received the refund without your knowledge, you'll need to contact the IRS separately. The IRS cannot split a joint refund between two accounts, so the money goes to whichever account is listed on the return. If you and your spouse disagree about who should receive the refund, you may need to file an amended return or work with a tax professional.

Refunds sent to the wrong account or closed bank account

If you entered the wrong account number on your return, the IRS will send your refund to that account. The bank that received it will reject the deposit if the account number doesn't match any account at that bank, and the IRS will reissue your refund as a check. This adds two to four weeks.

If your bank account closed after you filed but before the IRS sent your refund, the bank will reject the deposit and the IRS will mail you a check instead. If you've moved since you filed, make sure your current address is on file with the IRS so the check reaches you. You can update your address on irs.gov or by calling 800-829-1040.

If you opened a new account and want your refund sent there instead of waiting for a check, you cannot change your bank information after you file. You'll have to wait for the check and deposit it yourself, or contact the IRS to see if they can reissue it to your new account — this is not always possible.

State refunds that haven't arrived

State refunds follow different timelines than federal refunds. Most states issue refunds within 30 days of approving your return, but some take up to 60 days. Check your state's tax agency website for a tracking tool — most states have one similar to the IRS tool.

If your state refund is late, contact your state tax agency directly. The phone number is on your state's tax website. Have your Social Security number and the refund amount ready. State agencies move more slowly than the IRS, so expect longer hold times and slower responses.

Some states issue refunds by check only, while others offer direct deposit. If you chose direct deposit and your state refund didn't arrive, follow the same steps as a federal refund: check with your bank first, then contact the state tax agency.

What to do if the IRS says your refund was approved but no payment date is set

If Where's My Refund? shows your return is approved but doesn't give you a payment date, the IRS is still processing your refund. This usually means they're verifying information or reviewing your return for accuracy. Check the tool again in a few days — the payment date should appear within one to two weeks.

If more than two weeks pass and no payment date appears, call 800-829-1040. The IRS can tell you what's holding up your refund and whether you need to send additional documents. Don't wait longer than 30 days to call; the sooner you contact them, the sooner they can move your return forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a refund after the IRS approves it?

Most refunds arrive within 21 days of approval. If you chose direct deposit, the money usually lands in your account within five to seven business days after the IRS sends it. If you're receiving a check, add two to four weeks for mail delivery.

Can I call the IRS to speed up my refund?

No. The IRS processes refunds in the order they receive them, and calling won't move your return to the front of the line. Calling is only useful if your refund is significantly delayed or if you need to update your bank information or address.

What if I filed my return and the IRS website says it has no record of it?

If you filed electronically, the return should appear in Where's My Refund? within 24 hours. If it doesn't, call 800-829-1040 to confirm the IRS received it. If you filed by paper, allow up to four weeks for the IRS to process and enter your return into their system.

Do I have to wait for my refund or can I get a loan against it?

You can get a refund advance loan from some tax preparation companies, but these loans charge high fees and interest. Most people are better off waiting for their refund. If you need money urgently, look into local emergency assistance programs instead.

What if my refund is smaller than I expected?

The IRS may have reduced your refund to pay back taxes, student loans, or child support you owe. Where's My Refund? will show a note if this happened. If you disagree with the reduction, call 800-829-1040 to ask why your refund was adjusted.