Where to check your federal refund status
The IRS has one official tool for this: Where's My Refund? at irs.gov. You enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, and tells you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, or has approved it for payment.
You can also check your status through the IRS mobile app, which is the same tool in app form. Both the website and app are free and do not require you to create an account or log in with a username.
State refunds are handled separately by each state's tax agency. If you filed a state return and are waiting for a state refund, you will need to visit your state's tax website directly — there is no single national tool for state refunds.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS Where's My Refund tool updates once daily and shows whether your return was received, is being processed, or has been approved for payment.
- You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to check your status — no login or account creation required.
- If you filed jointly, only the primary taxpayer (the first name on the return) can check the status using that tool.
- State refunds are tracked through each state's own tax website, not through the federal IRS tool.
- If the tool shows no record of your return after 24 hours, your return may not have been received or processed yet.
What the status messages actually mean
Return Received means the IRS has scanned your return into their system. This usually appears within 24 hours of filing electronically, or within two to three weeks if you mailed a paper return. It does not mean processing has started.
Return Approved means the IRS has finished reviewing your return and approved your refund. The tool will also show the payment date — the date the money will leave the IRS account. This is not the date it arrives in your bank account; that depends on your bank's processing speed.
Refund Sent means the IRS has released the money. If you chose direct deposit, it typically arrives within one to two business days after this status appears. If you requested a check, it can take two to three weeks to arrive by mail.
If the tool shows no record of your return at all, wait 24 hours and check again. The system updates overnight. If it still shows nothing after a week, your return may not have been received — contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to confirm.
How long each stage typically takes
The timeline depends on whether you filed electronically or by mail, and whether your return is straightforward or flagged for review.
| Stage | Electronic Filing | Paper Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Return Received status appears | Within 24 hours | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Processing begins | Within 1 to 2 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Return Approved status appears | 21 days (standard) | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Money arrives (direct deposit) | 1 to 2 business days after approval | 1 to 2 business days after approval |
| Check arrives (by mail) | 2 to 3 weeks after approval | 2 to 3 weeks after approval |
These are typical timelines. Returns with errors, missing information, or identity verification issues take longer — sometimes several months. The IRS will mail you a notice if your return needs additional review.
What information you need to check status
Have these three pieces of information ready before you go to Where's My Refund:
- Your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have an SSN)
- Your filing status from the return (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, etc.)
- The exact refund amount shown on your return — to the dollar
If you filed jointly, only the primary taxpayer (the first name listed on the return) can check the status using the Where's My Refund tool. The secondary spouse cannot use their own Social Security number to look it up.
If you do not remember the exact refund amount, check your email for the confirmation number the IRS sent when you filed, or look at a copy of the return itself. The tool will reject the request if the amount does not match exactly.
When to contact the IRS directly
If Where's My Refund shows no record of your return after one week of electronic filing, or three weeks after mailing a paper return, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number and a copy of your return ready.
Also contact the IRS if the tool shows your return was received but has not moved to "Processing" status after two weeks, or if it has been more than 21 days since you filed electronically and the status still shows "Return Received" rather than "Return Approved."
The IRS phone lines are busiest from January through April. If you reach a busy signal, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also visit an IRS walk-in office if one is near you — find locations at irs.gov/localoffices.
Checking state income tax refund status
Each state runs its own refund tracking system. Go to your state's tax agency website and look for a link labeled "Check Refund Status," "Refund Status," or "Track Your Refund." Most states have a tool similar to the federal Where's My Refund.
You will typically need your Social Security number and the refund amount. Some states also ask for your filing status or the date you filed. State refunds usually take longer than federal refunds — expect four to eight weeks from the time you file, though some states process faster.
If you filed both federal and state returns, your state refund may be delayed if the IRS has not yet approved your federal return. Some states wait for federal approval before releasing state refunds, especially if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If your refund is significantly delayed — more than 21 days for electronic filing or more than eight weeks for paper filing — the IRS may have flagged your return for review. Common reasons include math errors, missing information, identity verification issues, or claiming credits the IRS wants to double-check.
If this happens, the IRS will mail you a notice explaining what they need. Do not ignore it. Follow the instructions in the notice exactly, and send back any requested documents within the deadline shown. Responding quickly can speed up approval.
If you believe your refund was lost or stolen after it was sent, contact the IRS immediately. For direct deposits, the IRS can trace the payment to your bank. For checks, the IRS can issue a replacement check or direct deposit instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status if I filed with a tax preparer or software company?
Yes. The Where's My Refund tool works the same way regardless of how you filed. You still need your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. Some tax software companies also offer their own refund tracking, but the IRS tool is the official source.
Why does Where's My Refund say my return was received but not processed yet?
The IRS receives returns in batches and processes them in order. After your return is received, it typically enters the processing queue within one to two weeks. If it has been longer than two weeks and the status has not changed, contact the IRS to confirm your return was actually received.
What if I filed an amended return — does the tool track that too?
No. Where's My Refund only tracks your original return. If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), you will not see that status in the tool. Amended returns take 8 to 12 weeks to process. The IRS will mail you a notice when your amended return is approved.
Can I check my spouse's refund status if we filed jointly?
No. Only the primary taxpayer (the first name on the return) can check the status using Where's My Refund. If you need information about a joint refund and you are the secondary spouse, ask the primary taxpayer to check, or contact the IRS directly.
Will the tool tell me if my refund was rejected or denied?
No. If there is a serious problem with your return, the IRS will mail you a notice rather than showing it in the tool. If your return is rejected, you will receive a letter explaining why. Check your mail regularly, especially if the tool stops showing any status at all.