Where to check your 2020 refund right now

The IRS has a tool called Where's My Refund? that shows the status of your 2020 return. Go to irs.gov, find the "Refunds" section, and click "Where's My Refund?" You'll need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your return.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If your return was filed more than 21 days ago and you don't see it in the system yet, that's a sign something may need attention. The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receipt, but 2020 returns filed late or with errors can take much longer.

If you filed through a tax software company like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, you can also check status through their websites or apps. They pull the same IRS data, so you'll see the same information either way.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the IRS's Where's My Refund? tool at irs.gov with your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount to see real-time status.
  • The tool updates once daily and shows three stages: received, approved, and sent — each with its own timeline.
  • If your 2020 return was filed late, had math errors, or included certain credits, processing can take several months beyond the standard 21 days.
  • The IRS will not contact you by phone, email, or text about your refund — all status information comes through Where's My Refund? or your tax software.
  • If the tool shows an error code or your refund doesn't arrive within the stated timeline, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

What the three refund status stages mean

Received means the IRS has your return in their system. This appears within a few days of filing. It does not mean they have reviewed it yet — only that they have logged it.

Approved means the IRS has processed your return, verified the numbers, and decided the refund amount is correct. This is when they issue the refund. The tool will tell you the date your refund was approved and the method it will use to reach you (direct deposit or check).

Sent means the refund has left the IRS. For direct deposit, this usually means the money is in transit to your bank and will arrive within one to five business days. For a check, the IRS mails it and delivery takes seven to ten business days from the sent date, depending on postal service speed.

Why 2020 returns take longer than newer years

The IRS faced a massive backlog in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic staffing shortages and a surge in returns filed all at once. Even now, some 2020 returns that were filed late or had errors are still being processed. If you filed your 2020 return in 2021 or later, expect a longer wait than the standard 21 days.

Returns with certain credits — the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, or the American Opportunity Credit — are held for additional review by law. The IRS cannot release these refunds until mid-February of the year after filing, even if everything is correct. If you claimed any of these credits on your 2020 return, your refund will not appear as "sent" until at least February 2021.

Math errors, missing information, or a mismatch between your return and IRS records (like a W-2 from your employer) will also delay processing. The IRS will send you a notice by mail if they find a problem. Check your mailbox regularly if your refund is taking longer than expected.

What to do if your refund shows an error code

Where's My Refund? sometimes displays error codes instead of a status. Common codes include "570" (return under review), "971" (notice issued), and "806" (refund offset). Each code means something different, and the tool usually includes a brief explanation.

If you see code 971, the IRS has mailed you a notice about your return. This could be a request for more information, a correction they made, or a notice that your refund was reduced or held. Read the notice carefully when it arrives — it will explain what happened and what you need to do next, if anything.

If you see code 806, your refund was offset. This means the IRS used part or all of your refund to pay a debt you owe — back taxes, unpaid student loans, child support, or other federal or state obligations. The notice you receive will say which debt was paid and how much was taken.

Direct deposit versus check — how timing differs

If you chose direct deposit on your return, the IRS sends the refund electronically to your bank. Once the IRS marks it as "sent," the money usually arrives within one to five business days. Weekends and bank holidays can add time, so a refund sent on a Friday may not show up until Tuesday.

If you chose a check, the IRS prints and mails it. A check marked "sent" typically arrives within seven to ten business days, but mail delivery varies by location. Rural areas and areas with postal delays may take longer. The IRS cannot speed up check delivery once it is mailed.

If you did not choose a method on your return, the IRS will mail a check by default. This is slower than direct deposit. If you filed your 2020 return without providing a bank account, your refund came by check.

What to do if your refund never arrives

If Where's My Refund? shows your refund was sent more than five business days ago (for direct deposit) or more than ten business days ago (for a check) and the money has not arrived, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready.

For direct deposit refunds that don't arrive, the IRS can research whether the money was sent to the correct bank account. If you provided the wrong account number on your return, the refund may have gone to a different account. The IRS can sometimes recover it, but this takes time and requires proof of the error.

For checks that don't arrive, the IRS can issue a replacement check or direct deposit, but you must report it as missing first. If you later find the original check, do not cash both — contact the IRS immediately to stop payment on the replacement.

How to contact the IRS about your 2020 refund

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Wait times are often long, especially during tax season. Have your return in front of you and be ready to provide your Social Security number and filing status.

You can also visit an IRS office in person if you have a local one. Find the nearest office at irs.gov under "Contact Us." Walk-in service is available, but appointments are faster. Some offices are still operating by appointment only, so call ahead.

Do not respond to emails or texts claiming to be from the IRS about your refund. The IRS does not contact people by email or text. If you receive a message like this, it is a scam. Report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at tigta.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my 2020 refund status if I filed it in 2021?

Yes. Where's My Refund? shows the status of any return filed in the past few years, including 2020 returns filed late. The tool will show your return as long as it has been received by the IRS. If you filed in 2021, your refund may still be processing — the IRS took longer to handle 2020 returns filed after the normal deadline.

What if I don't remember the exact refund amount?

You need the refund amount to use Where's My Refund?. Check your copy of the return you filed, your tax software account, or the confirmation email you received when you filed. If you can't find it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and they can look it up for you using your Social Security number and filing status.

Does Where's My Refund? show refunds that were offset?

Yes. If your refund was reduced or taken entirely to pay a debt, Where's My Refund? will show an error code (usually 806) and the IRS will mail you a notice explaining what happened. The notice says which debt was paid and how much was offset.

How long does it take for a check refund to arrive after it's marked "sent"?

The IRS estimates seven to ten business days from the sent date, but actual delivery depends on where you live and postal service speed. Some checks arrive in five days; others take two weeks. If your check doesn't arrive within two weeks of the sent date, contact the IRS to report it missing.

Can I change my refund to direct deposit if I chose a check?

No. Once your return is filed, you cannot change the refund method. If the IRS mailed a check and you want direct deposit instead, you must wait for the check to arrive, cash it, and deposit it yourself. For future years, you can choose direct deposit when you file.