Start with the IRS Where's My Refund tool

The first place to check is the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. This tool shows you the exact status of your refund and tells you whether the IRS has processed your return, approved your refund, or sent it out. You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return to use it.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If it says your refund was sent but you haven't received it, note the date it says the refund was issued — that's your starting point for the next step. If it says your return is still being processed, check back in a few days rather than contacting anyone yet.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool is the fastest way to find out whether your refund has been sent, and it updates daily.
  • If the tool says your refund was issued more than 21 days ago and you still haven't received it, contact the IRS directly by phone or mail.
  • The IRS phone line has long wait times; calling early in the week and early in the day reduces your wait.
  • If your refund was sent by check and it's been more than 60 days since the issue date, you can request a replacement check or have the IRS reissue it as a debit card.
  • State tax refunds are handled separately — contact your state revenue department if your state refund is missing.

Contact the IRS by phone if your refund is overdue

If Where's My Refund says your refund was issued more than 21 days ago and you still haven't received it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. This is the main IRS customer service line. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready when you call.

Wait times are long during tax season (January through May). Calling on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. your local time usually means a shorter wait than calling on Monday or Friday afternoon. The IRS does not take appointments, so you will be in a queue.

When you reach an agent, tell them the refund was issued on the date shown in Where's My Refund and you have not received it. The agent can see your account and will either confirm the refund is in transit, tell you it was returned to the IRS, or flag it for investigation if something went wrong.

What happens if the IRS says your refund was returned

Sometimes a check is mailed to an old address or is lost in the mail. If the IRS agent tells you the refund was returned to them, ask whether they can reissue it. The IRS can send a replacement check or, in many cases, issue a debit card instead, which arrives faster than a check.

If you moved since you filed, update your address with the IRS before requesting a reissue. You can do this by calling the same number or by mailing Form 8822 (Change of Address) to the IRS address for your state. The IRS website lists the correct mailing address by state.

A replacement check typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. A debit card usually arrives within 2 to 3 weeks. Ask the agent which option is available for your situation and which one they recommend.

File a complaint if the IRS cannot locate your refund

If the IRS agent cannot find any record of your refund after 21 days from the issue date, or if you reach an agent who cannot help, you can file a complaint with the Taxpayer Advocate Service. This is a free service within the IRS that helps when normal channels aren't working.

You can reach the Taxpayer Advocate Service by calling 1-877-777-4778 or by visiting taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov. You do not need to pay anyone to file this complaint. The Advocate Service will investigate your missing refund and contact the IRS on your behalf if there is a real problem.

The Advocate Service typically responds within 24 to 48 hours. If they find that your refund was lost or mishandled, they can push the IRS to reissue it quickly and may also help if you owe penalties or interest as a result of the delay.

Contact your state revenue department for state refunds

If you filed a state return and your state refund is missing, the IRS cannot help — you must contact your state's revenue or tax department directly. Each state runs its own refund system and timeline. Search online for "[your state] tax refund status" to find the tool specific to your state.

Most states have a similar online tool to the IRS Where's My Refund. Some states also have a phone line you can call. State refund timelines vary widely — some states issue refunds within 2 to 3 weeks, while others take 6 to 8 weeks or longer. Check your state's website to see what the normal timeline is for your state.

If your state refund was issued more than the normal timeline for your state and you haven't received it, call your state revenue department. The phone number is on your state's tax website. Have your Social Security number and the refund amount ready.

What to do if you received the wrong refund amount

If your refund arrived but it is less than you expected, check Where's My Refund again to see the exact amount the IRS approved. Compare that to the amount on your return. If they match, the IRS sent the correct amount — you may have made an error on your return or the IRS may have made a correction you didn't know about.

If the amount that arrived is less than what Where's My Refund says was approved, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and report the discrepancy. Bring the check or debit card statement showing what you received and have the approved amount from Where's My Refund ready. The agent can investigate whether part of your refund was offset to pay a debt or tax owed to another agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before contacting the IRS about a missing refund?

Wait until at least 21 days after Where's My Refund says your refund was issued. If it was sent by check, add a few extra days for mail delivery. If it has been more than 21 days since the issue date and you still haven't received it, contact the IRS.

What if I never received a confirmation that my return was accepted?

Check Where's My Refund first. If it shows no record of your return, your return may not have been filed successfully. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and give them your Social Security number and filing status. They can tell you whether your return was received and processed.

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

If your refund was already issued as a check and you want direct deposit instead, you cannot change it. However, when you file next year, you can request direct deposit on your return. If the IRS is reissuing your refund, ask the agent whether they can send it by direct deposit to your bank account instead of by check or debit card.

What if the IRS says my refund was sent but my bank says they never received it?

If your refund was sent by direct deposit and your bank says they have no record of it, call the IRS and ask them to investigate. Provide the routing number and account number where you requested the deposit. The IRS can check whether the deposit was rejected by your bank and why. Your bank may also be able to tell you if the deposit was rejected.

Do I need to hire a tax professional or lawyer to find my missing refund?

No. The IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service handle missing refunds at no cost to you. You do not need to pay anyone to file a complaint or investigate. If someone offers to find your refund for a fee, that is a scam.