Where your 2020 refund is now
If you filed your 2020 tax return and are still waiting for your refund, it has likely already been processed and sent. The IRS finished issuing most 2020 refunds by the end of 2021, but some refunds were delayed for various reasons — missing documents, math errors on the return, identity verification holds, or because the return was filed late. Your refund may be sitting in one of three places: already deposited in your bank account, mailed as a check to your address on file, or held by the IRS pending verification.
The fastest way to find out which is to check the IRS directly using the tool built for this purpose. You do not need to call, visit an office, or use a tax software company — the IRS has a free tracker that shows the exact status of your 2020 refund and when it was sent.
Key Takeaways
- Use the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov to see the current status of your 2020 refund in real time.
- Most 2020 refunds were issued by the end of 2021, but some were delayed and may still be processing if your return had errors or required identity verification.
- If your refund was mailed as a check and never arrived, you can request a replacement check or have the IRS reissue it as a direct deposit.
- If the IRS is holding your refund pending verification, you will need to respond to a notice they sent to your address — check your mail or your IRS account online.
How to check your 2020 refund status right now
Go to irs.gov/refunds and click "Where's My Refund?" You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your 2020 return. If you do not remember the amount, look at a copy of the return itself or a confirmation email from your tax software.
The tool will show one of three statuses. "Refund approved" means the IRS has processed it and sent it out — the tool will tell you the date it was sent and the method (direct deposit or check). "Still processing" means the IRS is still reviewing your return, usually because of a discrepancy or because it was filed late. "We cannot provide information" means there is a problem — either the return was not filed under that Social Security number, or there is a hold on the account.
The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If you checked yesterday and it said "still processing," checking again today may show a different status. There is no benefit to checking more than once per day.
What to do if your check was mailed but never arrived
If the Where's My Refund tool shows your refund was mailed as a check more than 21 days ago and you never received it, the check may have been lost in the mail. You have two options: request a replacement check or ask the IRS to reissue the refund as a direct deposit instead.
To request a replacement, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (toll-free) and tell them your check was not received. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS will issue a new check, which typically arrives within 4 to 6 weeks. If you prefer direct deposit, ask the representative to reissue it that way instead — direct deposit is faster and more reliable than mail.
You can also file Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) and mail it to the IRS address for your state, but calling is faster. The form is available at irs.gov if you need it.
If the IRS is holding your refund for verification
Sometimes the IRS holds a refund to verify your identity or to confirm details on your return. If this is happening, you will have received a notice in the mail — usually a letter asking you to provide documents or to confirm information. Check your mail carefully, including any envelopes marked "Important Tax Information."
If you received a notice, follow the instructions on it exactly. You may need to send copies of documents (like a driver's license or proof of address), respond to questions about your return, or verify your identity through an online account. The notice will have a deadline — missing it can delay your refund further.
If you cannot find the notice or do not remember receiving one, log into your IRS account at irs.gov/account using your Social Security number. Your account will show any open notices or holds on your refund. You can also call 1-800-829-1040 and ask the representative to tell you why your refund is being held and what you need to do.
Refunds delayed by identity theft or fraud holds
If your 2020 return was flagged for potential identity theft or fraud, the IRS will hold your refund while they investigate. This can take several months. You will receive a notice explaining the hold and what information the IRS needs from you to clear it.
Respond to the notice as soon as you receive it. The IRS may ask you to verify your identity through an online portal, by phone, or by mailing documents. Once you respond, the investigation usually takes 30 to 60 days. Your refund will be issued once the hold is cleared.
If you believe your identity was actually stolen or your return was filed fraudulently by someone else, tell the IRS representative when you call. They can escalate the case and may be able to speed up the investigation.
What happens if your 2020 return was filed late
If you filed your 2020 return after the April 2021 deadline, your refund was processed after all on-time returns. The IRS prioritizes returns filed by the deadline, so late returns are reviewed in the order they arrive. This can add weeks or months to the processing time.
There is no way to speed this up. The Where's My Refund tool will show your status, and you can call 1-800-829-1040 if the tool says "still processing" and you want to know roughly how long it will take. The representative can sometimes see notes about your return that the tool does not show.
If you still cannot find your 2020 refund
If the Where's My Refund tool says "We cannot provide information" or if you have checked multiple times and the status has not changed in weeks, contact the IRS directly. Call 1-800-829-1040 (toll-free) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready.
The IRS can see details about your return that the online tool does not display. They can tell you if there is a problem with the return itself, if there is a hold on your account, or if the refund was issued but the address was wrong. If the address was wrong, they can reissue the refund to the correct address or as a direct deposit.
If you filed through a tax software company or a tax preparer, you can also contact them to ask if they have information about your return. They sometimes receive notices from the IRS before the taxpayer does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my 2020 refund as a direct deposit instead of a check?
Yes. If your refund was originally mailed as a check and never arrived, call 1-800-829-1040 and ask the IRS to reissue it as a direct deposit. You will need to provide your bank account and routing number. Direct deposit typically takes 2 to 3 weeks instead of 4 to 6 weeks for a replacement check.
What if I filed my 2020 return but the IRS has no record of it?
This usually means the return was not received or was filed under the wrong Social Security number. Call 1-800-829-1040 with your filing information. The IRS can search their records and tell you if they have it. If they do not, you will need to file an amended return or file a new 2020 return now.
How long does it take to get a replacement check if mine was lost?
A replacement check typically arrives within 4 to 6 weeks of your request. Direct deposit is faster — usually 2 to 3 weeks. If you need the money sooner, ask about direct deposit when you call.
Do I have to pay taxes on my refund?
No. A tax refund is your own money that you overpaid during the year — it is not income. You do not owe taxes on it.
What if I moved since I filed my 2020 return?
If your refund was mailed to an old address, it may have been returned to the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 and provide your current address. The IRS can reissue the refund to your new address or as a direct deposit if you provide your bank information.