Where to check your federal tax refund

The IRS has a tool called Where's My Refund? that shows your refund amount, status, and expected delivery date. You reach it at irs.gov/refunds or through the IRS2Go mobile app. You'll 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. If you filed electronically, you can check it within 24 hours of the IRS accepting your return. If you filed on paper, wait at least four weeks before checking. The tool will tell you whether your refund is still being processed, approved and on its way, or already delivered.

If you filed jointly with a spouse, either spouse can check the status using their own Social Security number and the refund amount. The tool shows the same information regardless of which spouse logs in.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds shows your refund amount and expected delivery date within 24 hours of filing electronically.
  • You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return to check your status.
  • The tool updates once daily and shows whether your refund is processing, approved, or already sent to your bank or address.
  • State tax refunds are tracked separately through your state's revenue or tax department website, not through the IRS.
  • If the tool says your refund was sent but you haven't received it, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or check your bank account for a deposit.

Finding your state tax refund amount

Each state runs its own refund tracking system. You'll find the link on your state's revenue department or tax authority website. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to land on the right page quickly. Most state sites ask for your Social Security number and the refund amount, just like the federal tool.

State refunds typically take longer than federal refunds. If you filed electronically, expect the state to process it within two to four weeks. Paper returns take six to eight weeks. Some states mail checks; others deposit directly to your bank account if you provided routing and account numbers on your return.

A few states—including California, New York, and Texas—have separate portals for different types of refunds (income tax versus sales tax, for example). Check your state's website to see which portal applies to you.

What to do if you can't find your refund amount

If Where's My Refund? says "return not found," your return may not have been processed yet. Wait 24 hours and try again. If you filed on paper, wait at least four weeks. The system only shows returns the IRS has received and begun processing.

If you filed electronically more than 24 hours ago and the tool still shows nothing, double-check that you entered your information correctly—Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount must all match exactly. A single digit wrong will produce no results.

If your information is correct and the tool still shows nothing after four weeks, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your return in front of you when you call. The IRS can tell you whether the return was received, whether it's being reviewed, or whether there's a problem that's holding it up.

Refund amounts that differ from what you expected

The amount shown in Where's My Refund? is the amount the IRS will send you—not the amount you calculated on your return. The IRS may have adjusted your refund if you owed back taxes, student loan debt, or child support, or if you received certain government benefits that were overpaid.

If the IRS reduced your refund, the tool usually shows a message explaining why. You can also check the notice the IRS mails to you, which arrives separately from your refund and details any changes. If you disagree with the adjustment, you can file a claim or appeal, but you'll need to contact the IRS directly to understand your options.

If your refund is larger than you expected, the IRS may have corrected an error on your return—for example, a math mistake or a missed deduction you were may have access to to. The notice will explain this as well.

How refunds are delivered

The IRS delivers refunds in two ways: direct deposit to your bank account, or a check mailed to your address. Direct deposit is faster—typically five to seven business days after the IRS approves your return. Checks take two to three weeks by mail, depending on where you live and how busy the postal service is.

Where's My Refund? tells you which method the IRS is using and, for direct deposits, the last four digits of the bank account where the money will land. If you provided direct deposit information on your return, the IRS will use it automatically. If you didn't, you'll receive a check.

If you filed your return and later realized you gave the IRS the wrong bank account number, you can request a refund advance or ask the IRS to reissue the refund to a different account. Call 1-800-829-1040 to make this change, but do it before the refund is sent—once it's been deposited or mailed, the IRS cannot redirect it.

Tracking a refund that's already been sent

If Where's My Refund? says your refund was sent but you haven't received it, the next step depends on the delivery method. For direct deposits, log into your bank account and check whether the money arrived. Sometimes deposits take an extra day or two to show up, even after the IRS says it was sent.

For mailed checks, wait at least three weeks from the date the IRS says it was sent. If the check doesn't arrive after three weeks, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to issue a replacement check. Have your return and the date the IRS said the check was mailed.

If your bank account shows a deposit but you're not sure whether it's your tax refund, check the deposit description. IRS deposits usually show "IRS TREAS 310" or similar language. If you see a deposit from the IRS but the amount doesn't match what Where's My Refund? said, contact your bank to confirm the deposit details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out my refund amount before I file my return?

No. The IRS doesn't know your refund amount until you file your return and they process it. You can estimate your refund using tax software or a tax calculator before you file, but the actual amount won't be available until after the IRS receives and processes your return.

Why does Where's My Refund say my refund amount is different from what I calculated?

The IRS may have adjusted your refund because you owed back taxes, student loans, or child support, or because they corrected an error on your return. The notice the IRS mails to you explains the reason for any change. If you disagree, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to discuss it.

How long does it take to see my refund amount in Where's My Refund?

If you filed electronically, you can check within 24 hours of the IRS accepting your return. If you filed on paper, wait at least four weeks. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.

What if I filed jointly and my spouse wants to check the refund status?

Either spouse can check using their own Social Security number and the refund amount from the return. The tool shows the same information regardless of which spouse logs in. You both need the exact refund amount, so have your return handy.

Can I change my bank account information if my refund hasn't been sent yet?

Yes, but only before the IRS sends the refund. Call 1-800-829-1040 and ask to update your direct deposit information. Once the refund has been sent to your original account or mailed as a check, the IRS cannot redirect it. If the refund was already sent to the wrong account, you'll need to contact your bank or request a replacement check.