Where you claim your tax refund depends on which tax system issued it
If you are owed a federal tax refund, you claim it through the IRS. If you are owed a state tax refund, you claim it through your state's tax authority. If you are owed a local tax refund (some cities collect income tax), you claim it through that city or county. The refund does not come to you automatically — you have to file a tax return or take action to request it, even if no tax was withheld from your pay.
The place you claim it is the same place you file your return. For federal refunds, that is the IRS. For state refunds, that is your state's department of revenue or tax commission. You do not go to a bank, a government office in person, or a third-party website to claim a refund you are already owed — you go to the tax authority that collected the money.
Key Takeaways
- Federal tax refunds are claimed by filing a return with the IRS, either online through IRS Free File, by mail, or through a tax preparer.
- State tax refunds are claimed through your state's tax authority using that state's filing system, which varies by state.
- You can check the status of a federal refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov, which updates every 24 hours.
- If you have not filed a return for a year you are owed money, you can still file that year's return to claim the refund, even years later.
- If a refund was issued but you never received it, the IRS or your state can trace it and reissue it to a different address or method.
How to claim a federal tax refund through the IRS
To claim a federal tax refund, you must file a tax return for the year you are owed money. You have three main routes: file online for free through IRS Free File, file by mail using a paper form, or work with a tax preparer who files on your behalf.
IRS Free File is the fastest and most direct route. Go to IRS.gov, find the Free File link, and choose from a list of IRS-approved tax software companies. These companies offer free federal filing to people who earned under a certain income threshold (the threshold changes yearly). You enter your information, the software calculates your refund, and you submit it electronically. The IRS receives it within hours and begins processing.
If you do not meet the Free File income threshold or prefer not to use software, you can file by mail. Download the correct form from IRS.gov (usually Form 1040 plus any schedules that apply to your situation), fill it out by hand or print it, and mail it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions. Paper returns take longer to process — typically 4 to 6 weeks — because the IRS must scan and enter the data by hand.
A tax preparer or CPA can also file your return for you. They charge a fee, but they handle the entire process and often catch deductions you might miss. If you use a preparer, ask whether they file electronically (faster) or by mail (slower).
How to claim a state tax refund
State tax refunds are claimed by filing a return with your state's tax authority. Each state runs its own system, so the process varies. Most states offer free online filing through their website or through Free File software that includes state forms.
To find your state's tax authority and filing options, search "[your state] department of revenue" or "[your state] tax commission." The website will list filing methods — usually online, by mail, or through a tax preparer. Some states require you to file electronically if you earned above a certain income; others allow paper filing for everyone.
If you filed a federal return but not a state return, you will need to file the state return separately to claim a state refund. Filing one does not automatically file the other. Some tax software allows you to file both federal and state in the same session, but you must submit both forms.
Tracking a refund you have already claimed
Once you have filed your return, you can track your federal refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool updates every 24 hours and shows whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has issued the refund.
The tool also shows the delivery method — direct deposit to your bank account, a paper check by mail, or a debit card (if you chose that option when you filed). If the status shows "approved" or "issued," the refund is on its way. If it shows "processing," the IRS is still reviewing your return, which typically takes 21 days from the date you filed.
For state refunds, most states offer a similar tracking tool on their tax authority website. Search "[your state] refund status" to find it. You will need your Social Security number and the refund amount. State processing times vary — some states issue refunds in 2 to 3 weeks, others take 6 to 8 weeks.
What to do if you never received a refund that was issued
If the IRS Where's My Refund tool shows your refund was issued but you never received it, contact the IRS directly. Call 1-800-829-1040 (the main IRS customer service line) and tell them your refund was issued but did not arrive. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready.
The IRS can check whether the refund was sent by direct deposit or check. If it was direct deposit, they can verify the bank account number on file and confirm whether the bank received it. If the bank received it but you did not see it, the issue is with your bank, not the IRS — contact your bank to trace the deposit. If the IRS shows the refund was sent to the wrong account, they can reissue it to the correct one.
If the refund was sent by check and you never received it, the IRS can issue a replacement check or send the refund by direct deposit instead. This process takes 4 to 6 weeks. For state refunds, contact your state's tax authority using the phone number on their website.
Claiming a refund for a year you did not file
If you did not file a return for a year you are owed money — for example, because you earned very little and thought you did not need to file — you can still file that year's return now and claim the refund. The IRS does not have a time limit for claiming a refund you are owed, though some states do (typically 3 to 7 years).
To file a past-year return, download the form for that year from IRS.gov (the forms are archived by year), fill it out, and mail it to the IRS. You can also use tax software that supports prior-year filing, though not all software companies offer this. Include a note explaining why you are filing late — you do not need a reason, but it can help if there are questions.
Processing a past-year return takes longer than a current-year return because the IRS must verify the information against records from that year. Expect 8 to 12 weeks. Once approved, the refund is issued the same way as a current-year refund — by direct deposit or check.
Refunds from tax credits you may have missed
Some refunds come from tax credits you may not know about. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit can result in refunds even if you owe no tax. If you have a low to moderate income or have children, you may be owed money you did not claim.
To find out whether you may have access to, file a return for the year in question. Tax software will ask you questions about your income, dependents, and expenses, and will calculate any credits you are owed. If you used a tax preparer, ask them to review your return for credits. The IRS does not reach out to tell you about unclaimed credits — you have to file to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim a refund if I did not file a return?
No. You must file a return to claim a refund, even if no tax was withheld from your pay. The return tells the tax authority how much you earned and what you are owed. Filing is free through IRS Free File or your state's free filing system.
How long does it take to get a refund after I file?
Federal refunds typically arrive within 21 days if you file electronically and choose direct deposit. Paper returns take 4 to 6 weeks. State refunds vary by state — check your state's tax authority website for their timeline. Both timelines assume no errors on your return.
What if the IRS says I owe money instead of getting a refund?
If your return shows you owe tax, you can pay it online through IRS.gov, by mail, or by phone. You can also set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to discuss options.
Can I claim a refund from more than one year at once?
Yes. You can file returns for multiple past years. File each year's return separately — do not combine them into one form. Each return is processed independently and generates its own refund.
What if I moved and the IRS sent my refund to my old address?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your current address. They can reissue the refund by direct deposit or send a new check to your new address. This takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you filed a change of address with the post office, some refund checks may be forwarded automatically.