Where to find your refund status after filing through FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA does not hold your refund — the IRS does. Once you file your return through FreeTaxUSA, your refund moves into the federal system, and you track it through the IRS, not through FreeTaxUSA's website. The IRS has two main tools: the IRS Where's My Refund tool (available at irs.gov) and the IRS2Go mobile app. Both update once per day, usually overnight, and show you the current status of your refund and the expected deposit date.
You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return to use either tool. The IRS begins tracking your refund within 24 hours of accepting your return. If you filed through FreeTaxUSA and chose direct deposit, the IRS will show you a deposit date once your refund has been processed and approved — this is the most reliable way to know when money will arrive in your bank account.
Key Takeaways
- FreeTaxUSA files your return with the IRS, but the IRS processes and sends your refund, so you track it through irs.gov, not FreeTaxUSA.
- The IRS Where's My Refund tool and the IRS2Go app update once per day and show your refund status and expected deposit date.
- Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 21 days of IRS acceptance, though some take longer depending on return complexity.
- If your refund is delayed beyond the expected date, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 rather than FreeTaxUSA customer service.
- State refunds are processed separately by your state tax agency and have their own tracking tools.
How to use the IRS Where's My Refund tool
Go to irs.gov and look for the "Where's My Refund?" link, usually on the homepage. Enter your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool will show one of four statuses: "Return Received," "Approved," "Sent," or "Delivered."
"Return Received" means the IRS has accepted your return but has not yet processed it. "Approved" means the IRS has reviewed your return and approved your refund — this is when a deposit date will appear. "Sent" means the IRS has sent your refund to your bank. "Delivered" means the refund has arrived in your account. If you chose direct deposit, the tool will show the expected deposit date once your refund moves to "Approved" status.
The tool updates once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern time. If you check multiple times in a single day, you will see the same information. Checking more often than once per day will not speed up your refund or show you new details.
Timeline for refunds filed through FreeTaxUSA
The IRS aims to process most returns and issue refunds within 21 days of acceptance. If you filed early in the tax season (January or February) and your return is straightforward, you may receive your refund in 10 to 14 days. Returns filed later in the season or returns that require additional review can take the full 21 days or longer.
The 21-day clock starts when the IRS accepts your return, not when you submit it through FreeTaxUSA. FreeTaxUSA typically transmits your return to the IRS within a few hours of submission, but acceptance happens on the IRS side. Once accepted, you can begin tracking your refund through the Where's My Refund tool.
If you chose a paper check instead of direct deposit, add 5 to 7 additional days for mail delivery after the IRS processes your refund. The IRS will show you a mailing date in the Where's My Refund tool, and you can expect the check to arrive within a week of that date, though mail delivery times vary by location.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If the Where's My Refund tool shows no status update after 24 hours of filing, or if your refund has not arrived by the expected deposit date shown in the tool, contact the IRS directly. Call 1-800-829-1040 (the main IRS customer service line) and have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is still being processed, whether it requires additional review, or whether there is a problem with your bank account information.
Do not contact FreeTaxUSA about a delayed refund. FreeTaxUSA's role ends once your return is transmitted to the IRS. The IRS controls processing time and refund delivery. FreeTaxUSA customer service cannot speed up your refund or change its status.
Common reasons for delays include math errors on the return, missing information (such as a missing dependent Social Security number), or a mismatch between the name and Social Security number on your return and IRS records. The IRS will contact you by mail if additional information is needed. Check your mail regularly, especially if your refund is delayed.
State refunds are tracked separately
If you filed a state return through FreeTaxUSA, your state refund is processed by your state tax agency, not the IRS. Each state has its own refund tracking tool. Search "[your state] tax refund status" or visit your state's tax department website to find the tracking tool.
State refunds typically take longer than federal refunds — often 4 to 8 weeks from the time your state return is accepted. Some states process refunds more slowly during peak tax season. The state tracking tool will show you an expected refund date once your return has been processed.
If you filed both federal and state returns through FreeTaxUSA, you will receive two separate refunds on two different timelines. Your federal refund may arrive while your state refund is still being processed.
Direct deposit versus paper check delivery
When you filed through FreeTaxUSA, you chose either direct deposit or a paper check. Direct deposit is faster — the IRS deposits your refund directly into your bank account within 21 days of acceptance, and you do not have to wait for mail delivery. A paper check takes an additional 5 to 7 days after the IRS processes your refund.
If you chose direct deposit, make sure the bank account information you entered on your return is correct. If the account number or routing number is wrong, the IRS will attempt to deposit your refund and the money will be returned to the IRS. The IRS will then mail you a paper check, which adds several weeks to the process. The Where's My Refund tool will show you the deposit date if your account information is correct.
If you chose a paper check and want to change to direct deposit, you cannot do so after filing. You must wait for the check to arrive. For future years, you can choose direct deposit when you file.
What the Where's My Refund statuses mean
| Status | What it means | What happens next |
|---|---|---|
| Return Received | The IRS has accepted your return but has not yet processed it. | Wait for the status to change to "Approved." This usually takes a few days to a week. |
| Approved | The IRS has reviewed and approved your return and your refund. | A deposit date will appear. If you chose direct deposit, your refund will arrive by that date. |
| Sent | The IRS has sent your refund to your bank (direct deposit) or to the post office (check). | Your refund is on its way. Direct deposit usually arrives within 1 to 2 business days; checks arrive within 5 to 7 days. |
| Delivered | Your refund has arrived in your bank account or mailbox. | Your refund is complete. Check your account or mail. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my refund through FreeTaxUSA instead of the IRS?
No. FreeTaxUSA transmits your return to the IRS and then has no further involvement in processing or delivering your refund. You must use the IRS Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go app to track your refund status. FreeTaxUSA cannot tell you where your refund is or when it will arrive.
Why does the Where's My Refund tool say "Return Received" but not show a deposit date?
The IRS has accepted your return but has not yet processed it. Processing typically takes a few days to a week. Once the IRS approves your refund, the tool will show an "Approved" status and a deposit date. Check back the next day or in a few days.
My refund was supposed to arrive on a certain date but it did not. What do I do?
Check the Where's My Refund tool again to see if the status has changed. If the status still shows "Sent" or "Approved" and the date has passed, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether there is a problem with your bank account or whether your refund is still in process.
How long does it take to get a state refund after filing through FreeTaxUSA?
State refunds typically take 4 to 8 weeks from acceptance, though some states are faster and some are slower. Use your state tax agency's refund tracking tool to check your state refund status. State and federal refunds arrive on separate timelines.
What if I entered the wrong bank account number on my FreeTaxUSA return?
The IRS will attempt to deposit your refund to the account you provided. If the account number is incorrect, the deposit will fail and the IRS will mail you a paper check instead. This adds several weeks to the process. You cannot change your bank account information after filing. For future years, double-check your account number before submitting your return.