Where to check your federal tax refund
The IRS provides a tool called Where's My Refund? that shows the status of your federal return. You reach it at irs.gov/refunds, and it updates once per day, usually overnight. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your tax return.
The tool displays one of three statuses: your return is still being processed, your return has been approved and a refund date has been set, or your refund has been sent. If your return was filed electronically and you chose direct deposit, the refund typically arrives within 21 days of approval. If you chose a paper check, add 7 to 10 business days after the send date.
You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative, though wait times are often long during tax season (January through April). Have your return handy when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds is the official source for federal refund status and updates once per day.
- Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 21 days of approval; paper checks take an additional 7 to 10 business days after the send date.
- You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to check status online.
- State tax refunds are tracked through your state's tax agency website, not the IRS, and timelines vary by state.
- If your refund is delayed beyond the expected window, the IRS transcript tool can show whether your return was received and processed.
What the refund status messages mean
Return received means the IRS has your return but has not finished reviewing it. This is the first status you see after filing electronically. Processing usually takes 21 days from the date the IRS received your return, though some returns take longer if they require manual review or if you claimed certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Approved means the IRS has reviewed your return, found no issues, and calculated your refund. At this point, a refund date appears in the tool. The refund has not yet been sent, but the date tells you when to expect it in your bank account (for direct deposit) or mailbox (for a check).
Sent means the IRS has released your refund. For direct deposit, the money is on its way to your bank and should arrive within one to two business days. For a paper check, it is in the mail and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery can take longer depending on your location and postal service delays.
Tracking state income tax refunds
State tax refunds are handled separately from federal refunds and have their own tracking systems. Each state's tax agency runs its own refund tool. You can find your state's tool by searching "[your state] tax refund status" or by visiting your state's department of revenue website directly.
State refund timelines vary widely. Some states process refunds within two to three weeks; others take six to eight weeks or longer. If you filed your state return at the same time as your federal return, your state refund may arrive before, after, or at the same time as your federal refund—there is no standard order.
Like the federal tool, state systems require your Social Security number and the refund amount. Some states also ask for your filing status or the last four digits of your bank account number if you chose direct deposit.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If your refund has not arrived by the date shown in Where's My Refund?, wait three to five business days before taking action—mail and bank processing can cause delays. If it still has not arrived after that window, log back into the tool to confirm the status has not changed.
If the tool still shows Approved and the send date has passed, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your return and a record of the expected refund date ready. The IRS can confirm whether the refund was actually sent and, if so, investigate where it went.
If the tool shows Sent but you have not received the money, check your bank account to confirm it did not arrive under a different name or account. If you filed jointly, the refund may have been deposited to an account in only one spouse's name. If you still cannot find it after one week, contact your bank to ask whether the deposit was rejected or returned.
Using the IRS transcript tool for older returns
If your return was filed more than 21 days ago and Where's My Refund? is not showing a status, you can pull your IRS account transcript to see whether the return was received and processed. The transcript shows the date the IRS received your return, the amount reported, and any adjustments made during processing.
You can order a transcript free at irs.gov/transcripts or by calling 1-800-908-9946. The online tool delivers it immediately; the phone line takes five to ten business days. You can also request a transcript in person at your local IRS office, though appointments are limited during tax season.
The transcript does not show a refund date or send date the way Where's My Refund? does, but it confirms your return reached the IRS and was processed. If the transcript shows your return was received but Where's My Refund? shows no status, contact the IRS to ask why processing has stalled.
Refunds held for offset or collection
In rare cases, the IRS holds a refund to pay off a debt you owe to the federal government, a state, or a creditor. This is called offset. If your refund is being offset, Where's My Refund? will not show a refund date. Instead, you will see a message that your refund is being reviewed or held.
The IRS sends a notice by mail explaining the offset and which agency or creditor is receiving the money. This notice arrives separately from your tax return documents. If you believe the offset is wrong—for example, if you already paid the debt or if the debt belongs to someone else—you can dispute it by calling the IRS or the agency holding the refund.
Offset disputes can take several weeks to resolve. During that time, your refund remains held. If the dispute is resolved in your favor, the IRS releases the refund and it arrives within one to two weeks.
Direct deposit versus paper check delivery
The method you chose on your tax return affects how long you wait. Direct deposit is faster: once the IRS approves your return and sets a refund date, the money typically arrives in your bank account within one to two business days of that date. The IRS sends the deposit electronically to your bank overnight, and your bank posts it the next business day.
Paper checks take longer because they must be printed, mailed, and delivered by the postal service. The IRS typically mails checks within five to seven business days of the send date shown in Where's My Refund?. Delivery then takes 7 to 10 business days depending on your location. In total, expect two to three weeks from the send date to receiving the check in your mailbox.
If you chose direct deposit but the money did not arrive, confirm your bank account number and routing number were entered correctly on your return. If they were wrong, the IRS may have sent the refund back and reissued it as a paper check, which takes additional time. Check Where's My Refund? again after a few days to see if the status has changed to reflect a check being mailed instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Where's My Refund say my return is still being processed after 21 days?
Some returns take longer than 21 days if the IRS needs to verify information, if you claimed certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, or if there are errors on your return. The IRS may also hold your return if it detects identity theft or fraud. Check back in a few days; the status usually updates within 24 hours of any change.
Can I check my refund status if I filed on paper instead of electronically?
Paper returns take longer to process—typically 4 to 6 weeks—because they must be scanned and entered into the IRS system by hand. Where's My Refund? may not show a status until processing is well underway. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm your return was received, or order an IRS transcript to see the processing date.
What if I filed jointly and my spouse got the refund in their account?
If you filed a joint return and chose direct deposit, the IRS deposits the full refund to the account number listed on the return. If only one spouse's account was provided, that is where the money goes. Contact your spouse or the bank to confirm the deposit arrived. If you need the money split between two accounts, you will have to transfer it yourself after it arrives.
How do I check a refund status if I filed an amended return?
Amended returns (Form 1040-X) are processed separately and take longer—typically 8 to 12 weeks. Where's My Refund? does not track amended returns. Instead, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your Social Security number and the date you filed the amended return. The representative can tell you the status.
What if the refund amount in Where's My Refund doesn't match what I expected?
The IRS may have adjusted your refund if you made an error on your return, if you owe back taxes or child support, or if your refund is being offset. The tool does not explain the reason for the change. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your return to find out why the amount is different, or check the notice the IRS sends by mail.