Where you need to sign in depends on what you're looking for

The IRS runs several different portals, and each one requires a different login. If you're tracking a federal tax refund, you'll use IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. If you want to see your tax account details year-round, you'll set up IRS MyAccount. State tax refunds require logging into your state's tax agency portal — there is no single national system for those. Insurance refunds, business refunds, and stimulus payments each have their own tracking systems too. This guide covers how to access each one and what to do when login fails.

Most of these systems do not require you to create an account at all. The IRS refund tracker, for example, works with just your Social Security number and filing information. MyAccount and state portals are the exceptions — those do require a username and password. Understanding which system you need saves time and frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • IRS.gov's "Where's My Refund" tool requires only your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount — no login account needed.
  • IRS MyAccount is a separate portal where you create a username and password to view your tax history, payment records, and transcript requests year-round.
  • State tax refund tracking happens through your state's department of revenue or taxation website, which has its own login system separate from the IRS.
  • If you forget your password or can't access your account, the IRS offers identity verification through ID.me or Login.gov, which may require a video call.
  • Insurance and business refunds are tracked through the company or agency that issued the refund, not through a government portal.

Signing in to track a federal tax refund on IRS.gov

You do not need to create an account to check your federal tax refund status. Go to IRS.gov and select "Where's My Refund" under the Refunds section. Enter your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your tax return. The tool will show you the status in real time — whether the IRS is still processing, has approved it, or has sent it out.

This tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If your return was filed electronically, you can check the status within 24 hours of filing. If you mailed a paper return, wait at least four weeks before checking. The tool will tell you the expected deposit date once the refund has been approved. If you prefer to use your phone, download the IRS2Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. It offers the same "Where's My Refund" feature without requiring a login.

Creating and signing in to IRS MyAccount

IRS MyAccount is a separate system from the refund tracker. It lets you view your tax account details, payment history, and past tax returns whenever you want. To create an account, go to IRS.gov/account and select "Create an account." You will be asked to verify your identity through either ID.me or Login.gov, both of which are identity verification services the IRS uses.

The ID.me process usually takes a few minutes. You'll upload a photo of your driver's license or passport, take a selfie, and answer security questions. If ID.me cannot verify you automatically, it may schedule a video call with an agent — this can happen if your information doesn't match IRS records or if there's been identity theft on your account. Login.gov uses a similar process but focuses on email and phone verification first. Once you're verified, you'll create a username and password. Write these down or store them in a password manager — the IRS does not have a way to retrieve them if you forget. After that, you can sign in to MyAccount anytime to view your tax transcripts, payment records, and filing status.

Signing in to state tax refund portals

Each state runs its own tax system and its own refund tracking portal. There is no single login that works across states. To find your state's portal, search "[Your State] Department of Revenue refund status" or "[Your State] tax refund tracker."

Most state portals ask for your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount — the same information as the IRS tool. Some states let you check without logging in; others require you to create an account. If your state requires an account, follow the account creation steps on that state's website. Each state's process is different, so there is no single set of instructions that covers all of them. State refunds typically take longer than federal refunds. Most states process returns within 4 to 8 weeks if filed electronically, or 8 to 12 weeks if mailed. Check your state's website for their current processing times, as these vary by year and by how busy the agency is.

What to do if you can't sign in or forgot your password

If you forgot your IRS MyAccount password, go to IRS.gov/account and select "Forgot username or password." You'll be asked to verify your identity again through ID.me or Login.gov. Once verified, you can create a new password.

If ID.me or Login.gov cannot verify you — for example, if your address doesn't match IRS records or if there's a flag on your account — you may be offered a video call with an agent. This call usually happens within a few minutes. Have your driver's license or passport ready, and make sure you're in a quiet place where you can be seen clearly. If you're locked out of your state tax portal, look for a "Forgot Password" or "Account Recovery" link on that state's login page. Most states will send a reset link to your email or phone number on file. If that doesn't work, contact your state's tax agency directly — the phone number is usually on their website.

Tracking insurance refunds and business refunds

Insurance refunds and business refunds do not go through government portals. To track an insurance refund, log in to your insurance company's website or mobile app using the username and password you created when you opened your policy. Look for a section called "Claims," "Refunds," or "Account Activity." If you don't have an online account, call your insurance company's customer service line — the number is on your policy or bill.

For business refunds — such as a sales tax refund or a refund from a vendor — contact the business or agency that issued the refund directly. Ask for a tracking number or reference number, and ask when you can expect the money. Most businesses process refunds within 5 to 10 business days if you paid by credit card, or 10 to 14 business days if you paid by check or bank transfer.

Tracking stimulus payments and other government payments

If you received a stimulus payment (Economic Impact Payment) during the pandemic, you can check its status on the IRS website. Go to IRS.gov and search for "Get My Payment" or "Economic Impact Payment." You'll enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address. The tool will show you whether the payment was sent and how it was delivered — by direct deposit, check, or debit card.

For other government payments — such as Social Security, unemployment benefits, or veterans benefits — you'll need to log in to the specific agency's portal. Social Security has my Social Security at ssa.gov. Unemployment benefits are tracked through your state's labor department. Veterans benefits are tracked through VA.gov. Each agency has its own login system and its own account creation process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create an IRS account to check my refund status?

No. The "Where's My Refund" tool on IRS.gov requires only your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount. You do not need a username or password. IRS MyAccount is optional and is useful only if you want to view your tax history and transcripts throughout the year.

What should I do if ID.me or Login.gov says it can't verify me?

If automatic verification fails, you'll be offered a video call with an agent. Have your driver's license or passport ready and make sure you're in a well-lit, quiet space. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. If you still can't verify, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to explore other options.

Can I use the same login for both federal and state tax refunds?

No. The IRS and each state run separate systems with separate logins. You'll need to create an account on your state's tax website if your state requires one. There is no single login that works across multiple states or the federal system.

How often does the IRS refund tracker update?

The "Where's My Refund" tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If you check in the morning and see no change, check again the next day. The tool will show you the exact deposit date once your refund has been approved.

What if I never received my refund even though the tracker says it was sent?

If the tracker shows your refund was sent by direct deposit but you don't see it in your bank account, wait three to five business days — deposits sometimes take longer than expected. If it still hasn't arrived after five business days, contact your bank to confirm the account number on file with the IRS is correct. If the tracker shows it was sent by check and you never received it, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a trace or replacement.