Check your federal refund status on IRS.gov

The fastest way to find out where your federal tax refund is: go to IRS.gov/refunds and use the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your tax return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.

The tool tells you one of three things: your refund was approved and is on its way, your refund is still being processed, or there is a problem that needs your attention. If the tool says your refund is approved, it also tells you the deposit date — either the date it will hit your bank account or the date a check will be mailed, depending on how you chose to receive it.

If you filed your return less than 24 hours ago, the tool will not show anything yet. The IRS needs at least one full day to receive and log your return before the tracking system picks it up.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool at IRS.gov/refunds is the official source and updates once daily with your refund status.
  • You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to check your status.
  • Most refunds arrive within 21 days of approval if you chose direct deposit; paper checks take longer.
  • If the tool shows a problem code or says your refund is delayed, the IRS website explains what went wrong and what to do next.
  • State tax refunds are tracked separately through your state's tax agency, not the IRS.

What the status messages mean

"Refund approved" means the IRS has finished reviewing your return and decided to send you money. The tool will show you the date your bank will receive the deposit or the date the check will be mailed. Direct deposit is faster — most arrive within five to seven business days after approval. Checks take two to three weeks from the mail date.

"Still being processed" means the IRS is still reviewing your return. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong. Most returns are processed within 21 days of filing, but some take longer if the IRS needs to verify information or if your return was filed on paper instead of electronically.

If the tool shows an error code or says "We cannot provide information about your refund," something on your return needs attention. The IRS website lists what each code means. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name and Social Security number you entered, a typo in the refund amount, or a duplicate return filed under your name.

Track your refund by mail or direct deposit

When you filed your return, you chose how to receive your refund: direct deposit to a bank account or a paper check mailed to your address. The "Where's My Refund?" tool tells you which method you selected and when to expect the money.

If you chose direct deposit, the IRS sends the money to the bank account and routing number you listed on your return. The bank then deposits it into your account. This usually takes five to seven business days after the IRS approves your refund, though some banks process it faster. If your refund does not arrive by the date shown in the tool, contact your bank to confirm they received the transfer.

If you chose a paper check, the IRS mails it to the address on your return. Checks take two to three weeks to arrive after the mail date shown in the tool. If you moved since you filed, the check may go to your old address. You can contact the IRS to request they reissue the check to your current address, but this adds time.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If the "Where's My Refund?" tool says your refund is delayed or shows an error code, the IRS website explains what happened and what steps to take. Some delays are routine — for example, if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS is required by law to hold your refund until mid-February, even if you filed in January.

Other delays mean the IRS needs more information from you. Common reasons include a missing or incorrect Social Security number for a dependent, income reported to the IRS under a different name than what you used on your return, or a return that was filed twice by mistake. The IRS will send you a letter explaining what is wrong and how to fix it. Check your mail regularly, as these letters usually arrive within two to four weeks of the IRS discovering the problem.

If you have not received a letter and the tool says your refund is delayed beyond 21 days, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. Wait times are long during tax season, so call early in the morning or later in the afternoon for shorter hold times.

Check your state tax refund separately

Your state income tax refund is tracked through your state's tax agency, not the IRS. Each state has its own refund tracking tool on its tax department website. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find the link.

Most state tools work the same way as the federal one: you enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. State refunds usually arrive within two to four weeks of approval, though some states take longer. A few states mail checks only and do not offer direct deposit.

If you filed your federal and state returns at the same time, your state refund may arrive before or after your federal refund — they are processed separately and on different schedules.

If your refund never arrives

If the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows your refund was approved and the deposit date has passed, but the money has not arrived in your bank account, first contact your bank. Ask them to search for an incoming transfer from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Sometimes a transfer is delayed on the bank's end, or it may have been deposited to a different account if you changed banks after filing.

If your bank confirms they never received the transfer, contact the IRS. You will need to file a claim for your refund. The IRS has a form for this — Form 3115 or Form 1040-X, depending on your situation — but the fastest route is usually to call 1-800-829-1040 and explain what happened. The IRS can issue a replacement check or reissue the direct deposit.

If you chose a paper check and it never arrived, the IRS can stop payment on the original check and reissue it to your current address. This takes a few weeks. Again, call 1-800-829-1040 to start the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Where's My Refund tool update?

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times in a single day will show the same information. If your status changes, you will see it the next day.

Can I check my refund status without my exact refund amount?

No. The IRS requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to pull up your information. The amount must match what you entered on your return exactly, including cents.

Why does the tool say it cannot provide information about my refund?

This usually means there is a mismatch between the information you entered and what the IRS has on file. Check that your Social Security number and filing status are correct. If they are, there may be a problem with your return — a duplicate filing, a name mismatch, or missing information. The IRS will send you a letter explaining what is wrong.

What if I filed my return on paper instead of electronically?

Paper returns take longer to process — usually 4 to 6 weeks instead of 21 days. The "Where's My Refund?" tool may not show your status until the IRS has scanned and logged your return, which can take several weeks. If you filed on paper more than 6 weeks ago and the tool still shows nothing, contact the IRS.

Do I need to do anything to receive my refund once it is approved?

No. Once the IRS approves your refund, the money will be deposited or mailed automatically on the date shown in the tool. You do not need to take any action unless the tool shows an error code or a problem with your return.