You can check the status of your IRS tax refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool available on the IRS website. To use this tool, you will need:
- Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your filing status
- The exact refund amount shown on your tax return
The refund status typically appears:
- 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
The tool updates once daily, usually overnight, and shows three possible statuses:
- Return Received: IRS has your return and is processing it
- Refund Approved: IRS approved your refund and is preparing to issue it
- Refund Sent: Refund has been sent to your bank or mailed to you (allow 5 days for direct deposit or several weeks for a mailed check to arrive)
Most refunds are issued within 21 days of IRS approval for e-filed returns, but delays can occur if your return needs corrections, extra review, or if you claimed certain credits like Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. If your refund is delayed, the IRS will send you a letter explaining what is needed
. You can also check your refund status via the IRS2Go mobile app for convenience
. Only contact the IRS directly if the "Where's My Refund?" tool advises you to do so or if it has been more than 21 days since you e-filed and you have not received your refund or status updates
