Start with the IRS, then your state if you filed state taxes

If your federal tax refund hasn't arrived by the date the IRS told you to expect it, contact the Internal Revenue Service first. The IRS has your refund information and can tell you whether it was issued, sent to the wrong account, or held up for review. You do not need to wait a specific number of days past the promised date — if it's not there and you're past the window, call now.

If you also filed a state income tax return and your state refund is missing, you'll contact your state tax agency separately. Each state runs its own refund system and timeline, so a delayed federal refund doesn't mean your state refund is delayed too, and vice versa. The contact information for your state tax agency is on your state tax return or on your state's revenue or taxation website.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (or use the Where's My Refund tool online) to check whether your federal refund was issued and where it went.
  • If the IRS says your refund was issued to a bank account, contact that bank to ask whether the deposit was rejected or sent to a closed account.
  • State refunds are handled by your state tax agency, not the IRS, so you must contact them separately using the phone number on your state return or state website.
  • If the IRS says your refund is still being processed or held for review, ask what triggered the hold and how long it typically takes to resolve.
  • Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready before you call, because the IRS will ask for all three to pull up your file.

How to reach the IRS about a missing federal refund

The fastest way to check on a federal refund is the IRS Where's My Refund tool, available at irs.gov. You enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount, and the tool tells you whether the refund was issued, the date it was sent, and the method (direct deposit or check). If the tool says "still processing," your refund hasn't been issued yet. If it says "issued," the refund left the IRS and went to the bank account or address you provided on your return.

If the Where's My Refund tool says your refund was issued but you never received it, or if the tool doesn't show your refund at all, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount ready. The IRS representative will pull up your account and tell you what happened — whether the refund was sent to the wrong account, returned by the bank, or held for review. This call usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

The IRS phone line is busiest in the morning and during tax season (January through April). If you reach a long wait, call back in the afternoon or after tax season ends. You can also visit an IRS office in person if there's one near you, though appointments are often booked weeks ahead.

What to do if the IRS says your refund was sent to the wrong bank account

If the IRS tells you the refund was deposited to a bank account that isn't yours, or to an account you closed, contact that bank immediately. Tell the bank you received a tax refund deposit that shouldn't have gone to that account and ask them to trace it. The bank can see whether the deposit landed and was rejected, or whether it's still sitting in the account.

If the deposit was rejected by the bank (usually because the account was closed or the routing number was wrong), the IRS will reissue your refund as a check. Ask the IRS representative how long that takes — typically two to four weeks from the date they process the reissue. The check will be mailed to the address on your tax return.

If the deposit went into an account that isn't yours and the bank says it's still there, you may need to file a claim with the IRS to recover it. The IRS can issue a new refund once the original deposit is returned to them, but this process can take several months. Ask the IRS representative for the exact steps and timeline for your situation.

How to reach your state tax agency about a missing state refund

Each state runs its own tax refund system, so you contact your state tax agency directly — not the IRS. The phone number and website for your state tax agency are on your state income tax return. You can also search "[your state] tax refund status" online to find the state's refund tracking tool, which works the same way as the IRS tool: you enter your Social Security number and filing information, and it tells you whether your refund was issued.

When you call your state tax agency, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. State tax agencies are also busiest during tax season, so expect longer wait times from January through April. Some states offer online chat or email support as an alternative to phone calls.

State refund timelines vary widely. Some states issue refunds within two to three weeks of receiving your return; others take six to eight weeks. If your state says your refund is still being processed and you're within the normal window, you may just need to wait. If you're past the window your state promised, ask the representative what's causing the delay and when you can expect the refund.

What happens if the IRS says your refund is held for review

Sometimes the IRS holds a refund while it reviews your return for errors, missing information, or signs of fraud. If the IRS tells you your refund is on hold, ask the representative three things: what triggered the review, how long the review typically takes, and what you need to do (if anything) to speed it up.

Most holds are resolved within 30 to 60 days, but some take longer. If the IRS needs additional documents from you — like proof of income or a copy of a W-2 — they will mail you a notice explaining what they need. Do not ignore this notice. Send the documents back as soon as you can, because the review won't move forward until the IRS receives them.

If you believe the hold is a mistake or if your situation is urgent (you need the money for a medical bill or to avoid eviction, for example), tell the IRS representative. Some offices have a process to escalate holds, though there's no may provide it will speed things up. Ask what options are available in your case.

What to do if you can't reach the IRS by phone

The IRS phone line is often overwhelmed, especially during tax season. If you can't get through after multiple tries, use the IRS online account at irs.gov. You can create a free account using your Social Security number, and it shows your refund status, any notices the IRS has sent you, and payment history. This gives you the same information a phone representative would, without the wait.

You can also visit an IRS office in person. Find the nearest office at irs.gov/localoffices. Walk-in hours vary by location, and many offices require appointments. Bring your Social Security number, filing status, and a copy of your tax return.

If you used a tax preparer or tax software company to file your return, contact them as well. They may be able to see information about your refund that you can't access yourself, or they may have a direct line to the IRS for their clients' issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before calling the IRS about my refund?

If the IRS told you to expect your refund by a specific date and it hasn't arrived by that date, you can call immediately. You don't have to wait an extra week or two. The Where's My Refund tool updates every 24 hours, so check that first — if it says "issued," your refund is on the way and a phone call won't speed it up.

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

This usually means the routing number or account number on your return was wrong, and the bank rejected the deposit. The IRS will reissue your refund as a check, which takes two to four weeks. Ask the IRS for a confirmation number and timeline. You can also file a claim with the IRS if you need the money urgently, though this process is slower.

Can I get my refund faster if I call the IRS?

No. Calling the IRS can tell you what's happening with your refund, but it won't speed up processing or issuance. If your refund is still being processed, it will be issued on the IRS's timeline regardless of whether you call. If it's been issued and is in transit, calling won't make it arrive sooner.

Do I need to contact both the IRS and my state if my refunds are late?

Yes, if you filed both federal and state returns. The IRS and your state tax agency are separate systems, so a delay with one doesn't affect the other. Check the status of each refund independently and contact each agency if needed.

What if I filed my return through a tax preparer — do I call them or the IRS?

Start with your tax preparer. They have access to your filing information and may be able to see details about your refund that you can't. If they can't help, they can often contact the IRS on your behalf. If you filed through tax software, contact the software company's support line first.