Open IRS2Go and enter your information

The IRS2Go mobile app is the fastest way to check where your federal tax refund is. Download it free from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then open it and tap "Where's My Refund?" at the bottom of the home screen.

You'll need three pieces of information: your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), your filing status from your tax return, and the exact refund amount you expect. The refund amount must match what you claimed on your return—if you claimed $2,847, enter $2,847, not $2,800. If you don't remember the exact amount, check your tax return copy or the confirmation email from your tax software.

The app will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history. Answer them accurately. If you get three questions wrong, the app will lock you out for 24 hours.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS2Go shows your refund status in real time and updates once per day, usually overnight.
  • You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return to check status.
  • The app displays one of three statuses: "Return Received," "Approved," or "Sent"—each means something different about where your money is.
  • If IRS2Go says "Return Received" for more than 21 days after you filed, contact the IRS directly because something may be wrong.
  • The app works only for federal refunds; state refunds require your state's tax agency website or app.

What each refund status means

"Return Received" means the IRS has your return but hasn't finished processing it yet. This is the first status you'll see. It typically lasts 21 days from the date you filed, though it can take longer if your return needs manual review or if the IRS is processing a high volume of returns.

"Approved" means the IRS has reviewed your return, accepted it, and calculated your refund. Your money is now in the queue to be sent out. This status usually appears within a few days of "Return Received," but can take longer if the IRS found errors or inconsistencies that required investigation.

"Sent" means your refund has left the IRS and is on its way to you. The app will show the delivery method (direct deposit or check) and the expected arrival date. Direct deposits typically arrive within one to two business days of this status. Checks take seven to ten business days from the "Sent" date, depending on mail speed in your area.

If your status hasn't changed to "Approved" after 21 days, the IRS may be holding your return for review. Check the app daily—if it stays on "Return Received" past 21 days, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to find out why.

How often IRS2Go updates and when to check

IRS2Go updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time. Checking multiple times in the same day will show you the same status. If you filed electronically, the app may not show any status for 24 hours after filing—that's normal. The IRS needs time to receive and log your return.

During tax season (January through April), the IRS processes millions of returns, so updates can be slower. If you filed in March or April, expect "Return Received" to last closer to 21 days. If you filed in January or February, processing is usually faster.

Check the app once every two or three days rather than daily. Frequent checking won't speed up processing and can be frustrating if you're watching for movement that hasn't happened yet.

Direct deposit versus check delivery

When your status reaches "Sent," IRS2Go will tell you whether your refund is being sent by direct deposit or check. Direct deposit is faster and more reliable—the money goes straight into your bank account within one to two business days. You must have provided your bank account number and routing number on your tax return for direct deposit to work.

If you chose check delivery, the IRS mails a paper check to the address on your return. Checks take seven to ten business days to arrive after the "Sent" status appears, though this varies by region. If you moved since filing, the check will go to the address on your return, not your current address. Contact the IRS if your check doesn't arrive within ten business days of the "Sent" date.

You cannot change from check to direct deposit or vice versa once you've filed. If you want your refund by direct deposit next year, make sure to enter your bank details when you file.

What to do if IRS2Go shows an error or won't load

If the app says "We cannot provide information about your refund status," the IRS may not have received your return yet, or there may be a problem with how you entered your information. Double-check that your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount are exactly correct—even a single digit wrong will cause the lookup to fail.

If the information is correct and the app still won't load your status, try again in 24 hours. The IRS systems sometimes go down for maintenance, especially overnight. If the problem persists for more than two days, call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with an IRS representative who can look up your return manually.

If IRS2Go shows a status but the information looks wrong—for example, it shows a refund amount that doesn't match what you filed—contact the IRS immediately. This could indicate identity theft or a filing error that needs correction.

State refunds and IRS2Go

IRS2Go shows only your federal tax refund status. If you filed a state return and are waiting for a state refund, you'll need to check your state's tax agency website or app instead. Each state runs its own refund tracking system.

To find your state's refund tracker, search "[your state] tax refund status" or visit your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website. Most states offer a similar tool to IRS2Go, though the interface and update frequency vary. Some states update refund status weekly rather than daily, so state refunds may appear to move more slowly than federal ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does IRS2Go say my refund was sent but I haven't received it?

If the status says "Sent" and you chose direct deposit, the money should arrive within one to two business days. If it's been longer, check with your bank to make sure the deposit hasn't been delayed or rejected. If you chose check delivery, allow seven to ten business days from the "Sent" date. If more than ten business days have passed, call 1-800-829-1040 to report a missing refund.

Can I use IRS2Go if I filed through a tax preparer or software company?

Yes. IRS2Go tracks all federal returns, regardless of how you filed. Use the same Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount you provided to your tax preparer or software. The status will be the same whether you check through IRS2Go, the IRS website, or by phone.

What if I filed a joint return with my spouse?

Either spouse can check the refund status using their own Social Security number and the total refund amount from the joint return. You don't need both Social Security numbers to look it up. The status will be identical regardless of which spouse checks.

Does IRS2Go work if I filed an amended return?

IRS2Go tracks your original return status. If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), the app will not show the amended status. Amended returns are processed separately and take 16 weeks or longer. Call 1-800-829-1040 to check the status of an amended return instead.

Why is my refund taking longer than the IRS says it should?

The IRS estimates 21 days for most returns, but this is not a may provide. Returns with errors, missing information, identity verification issues, or claims that trigger additional review take longer. If your status hasn't changed in more than 21 days, the IRS is likely reviewing your return. Call 1-800-829-1040 to find out what's causing the delay and what you can do to help speed it up.