Where to check your federal tax refund
The IRS has one official tool for this: Where's My Refund? at irs.gov. You enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, and tells you whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has sent it out.
You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to a representative, though wait times often run 30 minutes to an hour. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone.
Text message updates are also available. Text "REFUND" to 877877 from any phone, and the IRS will send you status updates to that number as your refund moves through the system. You only need to text once per return.
Key Takeaways
- Where's My Refund? at irs.gov is the official IRS tool and updates once daily with your refund status.
- You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to check status online or by phone.
- Most refunds are issued within 21 days of the IRS receiving your return, but some take longer if the return needs review.
- If your refund is delayed beyond 21 days, the IRS website will tell you why and what to do next.
- State tax refunds are tracked separately through your state's tax agency, not the IRS.
How long the IRS takes to process and send refunds
The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days of receiving your return. That clock starts when your return arrives at the IRS, not when you file it. If you filed electronically, the IRS usually receives it within a few days. If you mailed a paper return, add 1 to 2 weeks to the timeline.
Some returns take longer. The IRS may need to verify information on your return, check for identity theft, or resolve a discrepancy between what you reported and what employers or banks reported to them. These reviews can add 2 to 8 weeks. Where's My Refund? will show you if your return is under review and give you an estimated completion date.
Direct deposit refunds arrive in your bank account within one to three business days after the IRS releases the money. Paper checks take 7 to 10 business days from the date the IRS mails them. The Where's My Refund? tool tells you which method you chose and when to expect the money.
What to do if your refund is delayed past 21 days
Check Where's My Refund? first. If it shows your return is still being processed, wait. The tool will update you as soon as there is movement. If it shows an issue — such as a missing signature, a math error, or a need for more information — follow the instructions on the screen.
If Where's My Refund? says your refund was issued but you have not received it after the expected timeframe, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your return in front of you and be ready to describe what you see in Where's My Refund?. The IRS can check whether the money was sent to the correct bank account or address and, if needed, issue a replacement check or trace a lost payment.
If you filed a paper return and it has been more than 30 days since you mailed it, the IRS may not have received it yet. Call the IRS to confirm they have your return on file before assuming it is lost.
Checking state income tax refund status
Each state runs its own tax system and refund tracking. You cannot check a state refund through the IRS. Instead, go to your state's tax agency website — usually called the Department of Revenue, Department of Taxation, or similar. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find the right link.
Most states have an online tool similar to the IRS's Where's My Refund?. You enter your Social Security number and refund amount. Some states also let you check by phone or email. State refund timelines vary widely: some states issue refunds in 2 to 3 weeks, while others take 6 to 8 weeks or longer, especially during tax season.
If you filed both federal and state returns, your state refund may be delayed if the IRS is reviewing your federal return. Some states wait for the IRS to finish before they process state refunds. Check your state's website to see if that applies to you.
What information you need to check your refund status
Have these three things ready before you use Where's My Refund? or call the IRS:
- Your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have an SSN)
- Your filing status from your tax return (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
- The exact refund amount shown on your return
If you are checking a joint return, either spouse can check the status using their own Social Security number. The tool will show the same information either way.
If you do not know the exact refund amount, look at your tax return itself or the confirmation email or letter you received from the IRS after filing. Do not guess — the tool requires the exact dollar amount to pull up your record.
Refunds sent to the wrong bank account or address
If you chose direct deposit and the refund went to the wrong bank account, you may not see it in your account even after the expected arrival date. This can happen if you made a typo when entering your account number or routing number on your return.
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as you realize the mistake. The IRS can check where the money was sent and, if it went to another bank, work with that bank to recover it. If the money cannot be recovered, the IRS will issue a replacement check. This process can take several weeks.
If you chose a paper check and it was mailed to an old address, contact the IRS right away. If you have already moved, file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service so the check can be forwarded. If the check arrives at your old address and someone else opens it, report it to the IRS and the Postal Inspection Service.
Using IRS transcripts to verify your refund was processed
If you need proof that the IRS received and processed your return, you can order a tax transcript. This is a document that shows the IRS's record of your return, including the refund amount and the date it was issued.
Order transcripts free at irs.gov under "Get Your Tax Record". You can view them immediately online or request them by mail. Transcripts by mail take 5 to 10 business days. You can also call 1-800-829-1040 to request a transcript over the phone.
Transcripts are useful if you need to show proof of your refund to a lender, landlord, or government program. They are also helpful if you are disputing a claim that you never received a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status if I filed jointly with a spouse?
Yes. Either spouse can check the status using their own Social Security number. The tool will show the same refund information either way. You do not need both Social Security numbers to look up a joint return.
What does it mean if Where's My Refund says my return is under review?
It means the IRS is verifying information on your return before releasing the refund. This can take 2 to 8 weeks. The tool will show you an estimated date when the review will be complete. Do not contact the IRS unless the review goes past that date.
Why does Where's My Refund say my refund was issued but I haven't received it?
Direct deposit refunds take 1 to 3 business days to arrive after the IRS releases them. Paper checks take 7 to 10 business days. If you are past that window, call the IRS to confirm the money was sent to the correct account or address and ask them to trace the payment.
Can I check my state refund status on the IRS website?
No. State refunds are tracked separately by your state's tax agency. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find your state's tracking tool. State timelines vary from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the state.
What if I lost my refund amount and can't check my status?
Look at your original tax return, any confirmation email from your tax software, or the IRS letter you received after filing. If you still cannot find it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and they can look up the amount for you using your Social Security number and filing status.