Where to reach the IRS about your refund

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is the federal agency that processes tax refunds. You can contact them by phone, mail, or through their website — each method works for different situations.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during tax season (usually January through October). Wait times are longest in February and March. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return ready when you call. The IRS can tell you the status of your refund, explain why it has been delayed, and flag issues that need your attention.

If you prefer to check online without calling, visit IRS.gov/refunds and use the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. This tool updates once per day and shows the current status — received, approved, sent to your bank, or delivered by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS processes federal tax refunds and can be reached at 1-800-829-1040 or through the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov.
  • State tax refunds are handled by your state's revenue or taxation department, not the IRS, and each state has its own contact number and tracking system.
  • If your refund was supposed to arrive by direct deposit but did not, contact your bank first to confirm the account number on your tax return is correct.
  • Refunds delayed more than 21 days after the IRS says they were sent should be reported to your bank or the IRS, depending on the delivery method.
  • If you filed through a tax preparer or software company, they can sometimes see status information you cannot and may resolve issues faster.

State tax refund contacts

Each state that collects income tax has its own revenue or taxation department that handles state refunds separately from federal ones. You cannot reach a state refund through the IRS.

Find your state's tax department by searching "[your state] department of revenue" or "[your state] tax refund status." Most states offer an online tracking tool similar to the IRS version. Some states also run a phone line during tax season. State refunds typically take longer than federal refunds — often four to eight weeks — because states process returns after the IRS does.

If you filed in multiple states (for example, you worked in two states during the year), you will need to contact each state separately. Each one tracks and sends refunds on its own schedule.

What to do if your bank did not receive a direct deposit refund

If the IRS or your state says your refund was sent to your bank but the money never arrived, contact your bank's customer service before calling the IRS again. Banks sometimes hold deposits for a few business days, or the refund may have been sent to an old account if you changed banks.

Have ready the date the IRS says it sent the refund, your account number, and your routing number. Your bank can search their records for incoming deposits matching the refund amount and tell you whether it arrived. If it did arrive, they can explain why it has not shown in your account yet. If it never arrived, ask your bank to file a trace — a formal request to track the missing deposit.

Once your bank confirms the deposit never arrived, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with the bank's findings. The IRS can then reissue your refund by check or investigate further if the bank found evidence the money went to the wrong account.

Contacting the IRS by mail

Mailing the IRS takes much longer than calling or using the online tool, but it works if you need to send documents or have a complex issue. Send mail to the IRS address listed on your tax return instructions or on IRS.gov — the address depends on which state you live in.

Include a cover letter explaining your question, a copy of your tax return, and any supporting documents. Write your Social Security number and phone number clearly at the top of the letter. Mail takes four to six weeks to reach the IRS, and responses take another four to eight weeks.

Tax preparer and software company support

If you used a tax preparer or software company to file, they sometimes have access to refund status information through their own IRS accounts. Call or email the preparer or software company's customer service and ask them to look up your refund status.

Tax preparers can also contact the IRS on your behalf if there is a problem — for example, if your refund was sent to the wrong account or if there is a hold on your return. This often resolves issues faster than calling the IRS yourself, because preparers have direct lines and priority access.

When your refund is delayed or missing

The IRS typically sends refunds within 21 days of accepting your return. If more than 21 days have passed and the "Where's My Refund?" tool still shows "received" or "approved," your return may be under review. This happens when the IRS flags something that needs verification — a math error, a missing form, or a mismatch between your return and other records.

Call 1-800-829-1040 and ask why your return is delayed. The IRS can tell you whether it is under review, whether you need to send additional documents, and how long the review typically takes. Some reviews take a few weeks; others take several months.

If your refund was sent by check and more than 21 days have passed since the IRS said it was mailed, the check may have been lost in the mail. Ask the IRS to cancel the original check and reissue a new one by direct deposit or mail.

Contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is a free IRS office that helps when you have tried the normal channels and still have a problem. TAS can intervene if your refund has been delayed for months, if the IRS is not responding to your calls, or if you believe the IRS made an error.

Reach TAS by calling 1-877-777-4778 or by visiting taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov. You do not need to pay anyone to contact TAS — it is a free government service. TAS will assign a case worker to investigate your situation and push for a resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before calling about my refund?

Wait at least 21 days after the IRS accepted your return. Before calling, check the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov — it updates daily and answers most questions without a phone call. If the tool says your refund was sent more than 21 days ago and you have not received it, call 1-800-829-1040.

Can I get my refund faster if I call instead of using the online tool?

No. The IRS processes refunds on a set schedule regardless of how you check the status. Calling does not speed up the refund itself, but it can help if there is a problem — for example, if your refund was sent to the wrong account or if your return is under review.

What if I filed my taxes through a tax preparer and they are not responding?

Contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or use the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You do not need your preparer to check the status. If your preparer made an error on your return that is causing a delay, you can file an amended return yourself or ask the Taxpayer Advocate Service for help.

Do I need to pay someone to help me contact the IRS about my refund?

No. The IRS, state tax departments, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service are all free. Anyone charging you a fee to contact these agencies or check your refund status is running a scam. Use only the official phone numbers and websites listed here.

What if I am calling from outside the United States?

Call 1-267-941-1000 (this is a long-distance number). Have your passport or visa information ready along with your Social Security number and tax return details. International calls may take longer to connect, and wait times are often longer than domestic calls.