To find out where your tax refund is, you should use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool available on the IRS website. This tool provides the most up-to- date status of your refund, typically updated once a day overnight. You can check your refund status starting:
- About 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return
- 3 to 4 days after you e-file a prior-year return
- About 4 weeks after you file a paper return
To use the tool, you will need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return
. The refund status will show one of the following:
- Return Received: Your return has been received and is being processed
- Refund Approved: Your refund has been approved and is being prepared for issuance
- Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent to your bank or mailed to you; it may take up to 5 days to appear in your bank account or several weeks for a mailed check
If your refund is delayed, it could be due to corrections, extra review, or additional information needed. The IRS will send you a letter if they require more information
. If you filed an amended return, use the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool, as amended returns take longer to process (up to 16 weeks)
. For state tax refunds, you should check your state’s tax department website or use their refund tracking tool, such as AZTaxes.gov for Arizona residents
. You can also check your refund status via the IRS2Go mobile app or by calling the IRS automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 (for current-year refunds)
