To check the status of your federal tax return and refund, you should use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool available on the IRS website or via the IRS2Go mobile app. This tool provides the fastest and easiest way to track your refund online and is updated once every 24 hours, usually overnight
. What you need to check your refund:
- Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly)
- The exact whole dollar amount of your expected refund as shown on your tax return
How the refund status updates work:
- Refund status is typically available 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return
- For paper returns, it may take about 4 weeks to see the status
- The status will show stages such as "Return Received," "Refund Approved," and "Refund Sent"
Other ways to check:
- You can call the IRS automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954, but wait times may be long
- For state tax refunds, check with your state’s taxation department or website
If your refund is delayed, the IRS may send you a letter requesting additional information or explaining the delay
. In summary, to find out where your federal tax return and refund are, go to the IRS "Where's My Refund?" online tool, have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready, and check the status there
