The IRS is your first call for federal tax refunds

Call the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-1040 if you filed a federal tax return and want to know where your refund is. This is the main line for refund status questions. The IRS can tell you whether your return was received, if it's being processed, or if there's a problem holding up payment.

The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are longest in February and March when most people file, so call early in the morning or later in the week if you can. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return ready when you call.

If you speak Spanish, press 2 after the greeting. The IRS also offers a TTY line at 1-800-829-4059 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS main line (1-800-829-1040) handles federal refund questions and can tell you the exact status of your return.
  • Your state tax agency handles state refund questions, and the number varies by state — search "[your state] tax refund status" to find the right line.
  • The IRS website tool "Where's My Refund?" at irs.gov gives you the same information as calling, without waiting on hold.
  • If you filed through a tax preparer or software company, they may have their own tracking system that shows status before the IRS does.
  • If the IRS says your refund was issued but you never received it, you will need to file a claim or contact your bank — the IRS cannot reissue a check or direct deposit after 120 days.

Check your refund status online before calling

The IRS website has a tool called "Where's My Refund?" at irs.gov that shows the same information a phone representative would give you. You enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount, and the tool tells you whether your return is received, being processed, or approved for payment.

This tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If you filed electronically, you can check it within 24 hours of filing. If you mailed a paper return, wait at least three weeks before checking. Using the online tool saves you a phone call if you just need a quick status update.

The tool also shows the expected deposit date once your refund is approved. If it says "still processing," that means the IRS is still reviewing your return and you should check back in a few days.

State tax refunds require calling your state's tax agency

If you filed a state income tax return and want to know about that refund, you need to contact your state's tax department, not the IRS. Each state runs its own refund system and has its own phone line.

Search "[your state name] tax refund status" or "[your state name] department of revenue" to find the correct number. For example, California residents call the Franchise Tax Board, New York residents call the Department of Taxation and Finance, and Texas residents do not file state income tax at all. The state line can usually tell you the same information as the IRS line — whether your return was received and when your refund will arrive.

State refunds often take longer than federal refunds because states process returns on their own schedule. A federal refund might arrive in 21 days, but a state refund could take six to eight weeks or longer.

What to do if you filed through a tax preparer or software

If you used tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, or if you paid a tax preparer to file for you, check with them first. Many tax software companies have their own tracking system that shows your refund status and may update faster than the IRS tool.

Log into your account on the software website or call the tax preparer's office. They can see whether they submitted your return to the IRS and sometimes have additional details about processing. If there's a problem with your return, the preparer may catch it before the IRS does and contact you to fix it.

If the preparer is holding your refund to cover their fees, ask them in writing when you will receive the remainder. By law, they cannot keep your refund indefinitely, but the exact rules vary by state.

When the IRS says your refund was issued but you did not receive it

If the IRS tells you your refund was issued by check or direct deposit but the money never arrived, you have two paths depending on how long ago it was issued.

If your refund was issued within the last 120 days, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to trace the payment. They can confirm whether the check was cashed or the direct deposit went through, and if there was an error, they can reissue it. Have your bank account information ready if it was supposed to be a direct deposit.

If your refund was issued more than 120 days ago, the IRS will not reissue it. Instead, you need to file a claim with the IRS using Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) or contact a tax professional. You may also need to check with your bank to see if the deposit was rejected or if the check was lost in the mail.

What information to have ready when you call

Before you call the IRS or your state tax agency, gather these documents so the representative can help you quickly:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
  • The exact refund amount from your tax return
  • The year of the return you are asking about
  • Your current mailing address and phone number
  • If it was a direct deposit, your bank routing number and account number

If you are calling about a return filed by someone else (a spouse, parent, or dependent), you may need to provide a power of attorney or written permission before the agency will discuss the refund with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to reach someone on the IRS line?

Wait times vary widely depending on the time of year and time of day. During tax season (February through April), you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour. Calling early in the morning or on Tuesday through Thursday usually means shorter waits. If you cannot reach anyone, try again the next day or use the "Where's My Refund?" tool online instead.

Can I check someone else's refund status?

No. The IRS and state tax agencies will not discuss refund details with anyone except the person who filed the return, unless you have a signed power of attorney. If you are helping a family member, ask them to call on their own or give you written permission to act on their behalf.

What if the IRS says my refund was approved but the date keeps changing?

This usually means the IRS is still processing your return or there is a delay in the banking system. The date may shift by a few days as the refund moves through the system. If the date changes more than once or if it has been longer than the stated timeline, call the IRS to ask whether there is a hold-up on your specific return.

Do I need to call if I filed electronically?

No, not unless there is a problem. Electronic returns are processed faster than paper returns, and you can track your status online using "Where's My Refund?" Call only if the tool says there is an issue or if your refund does not arrive by the promised date.

What if I moved after I filed my return?

Call the IRS or your state tax agency and give them your new address. If your refund was mailed to your old address, they can try to intercept it or reissue it to your new address. Have your old and new addresses ready when you call.