The IRS Where's My Refund tool tells you the status of your federal tax refund within 24 hours of filing electronically, or up to four weeks after mailing a paper return.
You can check your refund status on the IRS website at irs.gov/refunds without logging into an account. The tool shows you three things: whether the IRS has received your return, whether they have approved it, and the date your refund will arrive. It updates once per day, usually overnight.
The tool works only for federal refunds. If you filed a state return and are waiting for a state refund, you will need to use your state's tax agency website instead — each state runs its own tracking system.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS Where's My Refund tool is free and requires only your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
- The tool updates once per day and shows status within 24 hours of e-filing or up to four weeks after mailing a paper return.
- If the tool says your refund is approved, the IRS will deposit it to your bank account or mail a check within the timeframe shown — no further action is needed.
- If you filed jointly, only the primary taxpayer (the first name on the return) can check the status using the tool.
- State refunds are tracked separately through your state's tax agency website, not through the federal IRS tool.
What information you need to check your refund status
Have your most recent tax return in front of you. The IRS tool asks for three pieces of information: your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have an SSN), your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, and so on), and the exact refund amount shown on your return.
The refund amount must match exactly. If you claimed a refund of $2,847 but enter $2,847.50, the tool will not find your return. If you are unsure of the amount, check your tax software confirmation email, the IRS transcript, or the paper copy of your return.
If you filed jointly, only the primary taxpayer (the person listed first on the return) can use the tool to check status. The spouse cannot check it independently.
How long the IRS takes to process and deposit your refund
The timeline depends on how you filed. If you e-filed your return, the IRS typically processes it within 21 days and deposits your refund within that window or shortly after. The Where's My Refund tool will show your status within 24 hours of filing.
If you mailed a paper return, the IRS takes longer to receive and scan it. You should wait up to four weeks before checking the tool. Once the IRS has scanned your return into their system, the tool will show it, and processing typically takes another two to three weeks.
The IRS processes refunds in the order they receive them, not by filing date. A return filed in January may be processed after a return filed in February if the February return arrived at the IRS first.
What each status message means
The Where's My Refund tool shows one of three statuses. "Return Received" means the IRS has your return but has not finished reviewing it yet. This is the first stage and typically lasts a few days to a week. You do not need to do anything — keep checking back.
"Approved" means the IRS has reviewed your return, found no issues, and approved your refund. The tool will show the exact date your refund will be deposited or mailed. If you chose direct deposit, the money goes to your bank account on that date. If you requested a check, the IRS mails it and it arrives within a few days of the date shown.
"Sent" means your refund has been deposited or mailed. If you chose direct deposit and the date has passed but the money has not arrived, check with your bank — sometimes deposits take an extra day or two to appear. If you requested a check and it has not arrived within two weeks of the date shown, contact the IRS.
Why the tool might not show your return
If you check the tool and it says "Return not found," the most common reason is that the IRS has not yet received or scanned your return. If you e-filed, wait 24 hours. If you mailed your return, wait up to four weeks.
The tool will also not find your return if you entered the wrong information. Double-check your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. Even a small typo will cause the search to fail. If the information is correct and the tool still does not find your return after the appropriate wait time, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
In rare cases, the IRS may have received your return but found an error that requires your attention. If this happens, the IRS will mail you a letter explaining what is wrong and what you need to do. Check your mailbox regularly while you are waiting for your refund.
Tracking a state tax refund separately
Each state runs its own tax refund tracking system. The federal IRS tool does not include state refunds. To check your state refund, visit your state's tax agency website and look for a "refund status" or "where's my refund" tool.
State processing times vary. Some states process refunds within two to three weeks of receiving your return; others take six to eight weeks. If you filed your federal and state returns at the same time using tax software, the state return may take longer to process than the federal return, so do not be alarmed if your federal refund arrives first.
If you cannot find your state's refund tool, search "[your state] tax refund status" or call your state's tax department directly. Most states have a phone line for refund questions.
What to do if your refund is delayed or missing
If the Where's My Refund tool shows "Approved" and the deposit date has passed but your money has not arrived, first check with your bank. Ask whether the deposit is pending or if there was a problem receiving it. Some banks take an extra day or two to post IRS deposits.
If your bank confirms the deposit has not arrived, or if you requested a check and it has not arrived within two weeks of the date shown, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your return and Social Security number ready. The IRS can tell you whether the refund was actually sent and, if so, help you trace it.
If the tool shows your return is still being processed but it has been longer than the normal timeframe (three weeks for e-filed returns, six weeks for mailed returns), your return may be under review. The IRS reviews returns randomly and also when they detect inconsistencies. If this is happening, the IRS will mail you a letter. Do not call unless you receive that letter.
Direct deposit versus check: which arrives faster
Direct deposit is faster. If you chose direct deposit on your return, your refund arrives within the timeframe shown in the Where's My Refund tool — typically within 21 days of e-filing. The money goes straight to your bank account.
If you requested a check, the IRS mails it after approval. The check arrives a few days after the date shown in the tool, depending on mail delivery. In some cases, a check can take up to two weeks to arrive after the IRS mails it.
If you did not choose direct deposit when you filed, you cannot change it to direct deposit later. You will receive a check. However, some tax software and third-party services offer a way to convert a mailed check refund to a direct deposit by intercepting it before it is mailed — ask your tax software provider if this option is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status on my phone?
Yes. The IRS Where's My Refund tool works on mobile browsers. Go to irs.gov/refunds on your phone's web browser and enter your information the same way you would on a computer. The IRS does not have an official app for this tool, so use the website.
What if the refund amount I see in the tool does not match what I expected?
The amount shown is what the IRS approved. If it is less than you expected, the IRS may have made an adjustment — for example, applying part of your refund to a past-due tax bill or student loan debt. The IRS will mail you a letter explaining any changes. If you disagree with the adjustment, you can respond to that letter.
Does the tool show refunds from previous years?
No. The Where's My Refund tool shows only your current-year return. If you are looking for a refund from a prior year, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or check the IRS transcript for that year on irs.gov.
Can my spouse check the refund status if we filed jointly?
Only the primary taxpayer (the first name on the return) can use the Where's My Refund tool. The spouse cannot check it independently using the tool. If the spouse needs to know the status, the primary taxpayer can check and share the information.
What if I filed an amended return — does the tool show that?
The Where's My Refund tool shows only your original return. If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), the tool will not track it. Amended returns are processed separately and take longer — typically 16 weeks or more. The IRS will mail you a notice when your amended return is processed.