Check the IRS website first, then your state tax authority

The fastest way to know if a refund check is coming is to use the IRS's Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return. The tool updates once per day and tells you whether the IRS has processed your return, approved your refund, and mailed your check — or if it's still being reviewed.

If you filed a state tax return, check your state's tax authority website too. State refunds move on their own timeline and don't always arrive with federal refunds. Most states have a similar tracking tool on their department of revenue website. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find it.

If you're waiting for a stimulus payment, economic impact payment, or other federal payment (not a tax refund), use the IRS's Get My Payment tool instead. That tool is separate from the refund tracker and shows the status of one-time government payments.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool shows whether your federal refund has been processed, approved, and mailed — check it at irs.gov with your SSN and filing status.
  • State refunds are tracked separately through your state's tax authority website and often arrive weeks after or before the federal refund.
  • A refund check typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive after the IRS marks it as mailed, though weather and postal delays can extend that.
  • If the tracking tool shows your return is still being reviewed, the IRS is likely verifying income, dependents, or credits — this can take 30 to 60 days.
  • If you haven't received a check that was mailed more than 10 business days ago, contact the IRS or your state tax authority to request a trace or replacement.

What the IRS tracking tool actually tells you

The Where's My Refund tool shows one of three statuses: Return Received, Refund Approved, or Refund Sent. Each one means something different about where your money is.

Return Received means the IRS has scanned your return but hasn't finished processing it yet. This stage usually lasts 24 to 48 hours for e-filed returns and up to two weeks for paper returns. You won't see a refund date yet.

Refund Approved means the IRS has reviewed your return, verified your information, and decided to send you money. At this point, the tool shows the date your refund will be mailed or deposited. If you chose direct deposit, the money goes to your bank account on that date or within one business day after. If you're getting a check, the IRS mails it that day, but it takes 5 to 7 business days to reach you.

Refund Sent means the check has been mailed or the deposit has been processed. For checks, this is when the 5 to 7 business day clock starts. For direct deposits, the money should be in your account within one business day.

Why the IRS might be holding your return

If the tracking tool says your return is still being reviewed after two weeks, the IRS is likely checking something. Common reasons include a mismatch between your return and your W-2s, a dependent claimed by two people, an unusually large refund, or a credit you claimed that needs verification.

The IRS does not send a notice every time it reviews a return. You might not hear anything until the review is done. However, if there's a problem the IRS can't resolve on its own, you'll receive a letter in the mail asking for documents or an explanation. That letter will have a deadline — usually 30 days — to respond.

If you receive a letter, respond by the deadline. If you don't respond, the IRS will deny the refund or reduce it. If you don't receive a letter but the tracking tool shows "still being reviewed" after 60 days, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask what's holding up your return.

Refund checks that don't arrive on time

A check that was mailed more than 10 business days ago should have arrived. If it hasn't, contact the IRS first. Call 1-800-829-1040 and have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS can run a trace on the check, which takes about four weeks. If the check is found, it will be sent to you. If it's not found, the IRS will issue a replacement check or arrange a direct deposit instead.

For state refunds, contact your state's tax authority using the phone number on your state tax return or on the state's website. The process is similar: they trace the check and either locate it or issue a replacement.

Checks can be delayed by weather, postal service slowdowns, or address issues. If you moved since filing, the check may have gone to your old address. If that's the case, tell the IRS or your state authority your current address so the replacement goes to the right place.

Direct deposit versus mailed checks

If you chose direct deposit on your tax return, your refund arrives in your bank account faster — usually within one business day of the IRS processing date. You don't have to wait for the mail. Direct deposit is also more secure because there's no check to lose.

If you're getting a mailed check, the timeline is longer. The IRS mails the check on the date shown in the tracking tool, but it takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days, so a check mailed on a Friday won't arrive until the following week.

You can't change from a check to direct deposit after you file, but you can update your bank account information if you need to. Call the IRS to discuss your options.

State refunds that arrive separately

Your state refund is processed by your state's tax authority, not the IRS, so it's on a different schedule. Some states issue refunds faster than the federal government — in as little as two to three weeks. Others take longer, sometimes eight weeks or more. Check your state's tax website to see the current processing time.

State refunds can be mailed as checks or deposited directly, depending on what you chose when you filed. Use your state's tracking tool to see the status. If your state doesn't have an online tracker, call the tax authority's customer service line. The number is usually on your state tax return or on the state's website.

If you filed both federal and state returns but only received one refund, don't assume the other is lost. It's normal for them to arrive weeks apart. Check the tracking tool for the one you haven't received yet.

What to do if you never filed a return but expect a refund

If you didn't file a tax return but think you should have received a refund, you may have missed a deadline. The IRS can only issue a refund if you file a return. If you're past the normal filing deadline, you can still file a return to claim a refund, but there are time limits. Generally, you have three years from the original deadline to file and claim a refund.

If you're not sure whether you filed, check the IRS website or call 1-800-829-1040. The IRS can tell you whether a return was filed under your Social Security number. If no return was filed and you think you're owed money, you'll need to file one now. You can file a prior-year return using Form 1040 and supporting documents from that tax year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a refund check after the IRS says it's mailed?

The IRS typically takes 5 to 7 business days to deliver a check after marking it as mailed in the tracking tool. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days. Weather delays, postal service slowdowns, or address issues can add time. If more than 10 business days have passed, contact the IRS to request a trace.

Can I get my refund faster if I choose direct deposit instead of a check?

Yes. Direct deposit refunds arrive within one business day of the IRS processing date, while mailed checks take 5 to 7 business days after mailing. You choose direct deposit or check when you file your return. If you already filed and chose a check, you can't change it, but you can provide updated bank information when you contact the IRS.

What does it mean if the IRS tracking tool says my return is still being reviewed?

The IRS is verifying information on your return — usually income, dependents, or tax credits. This can take 30 to 60 days. You'll receive a letter if the IRS needs documents from you. If no letter arrives after 60 days, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask what's holding up your return.

Do I need to do anything if my refund check gets lost in the mail?

No. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or your state tax authority and report the missing check. They will run a trace, which takes about four weeks. If the check isn't found, they'll issue a replacement check or arrange a direct deposit to your bank account instead.

Why did I get a federal refund but not a state refund yet?

Federal and state refunds are processed separately and arrive on different schedules. Your state may take longer than the IRS, or it may be faster. Check your state's tax authority website for the current processing time and use their tracking tool to see the status of your state refund.