How to Check Your IRS Refund Status
The IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗ updates refund status once per day. This guide shows what you need to check it. It also explains what "return received / approved / sent" means. It also covers the real reasons refunds get stuck.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free
- Total time:
- 5 minutes
- Steps:
- 5 steps
- Where to apply:
- irs.gov
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(October 2026).
0 of 5 steps
- Before You Go 5 min
Get your three pieces of info ready
You need three things for the tool. You need your SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗ or ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗. You need your filing status. You also need the EXACT refund amount in whole dollars from your return. If you do not know the amount, open the PDF of your return. If you guess wrong, the tool locks you out for 24 hours.
Click to mark as done
- Go 2 min
Open the official tool (not a third-party tracker)
Use "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov or the official IRS2Go mobile app. Emails or texts that claim to "track your refund" are scams. The IRS never contacts you first in that way.
Click to mark as done
- Wait 2 min
Read your status correctly
"Return Received" means the IRS has your return. Returns filed online show this within 24–48 hours. Paper returns take 4+ weeks. "Refund Approved" means the IRS is done and has set a date. "Refund Sent" means the money has left the IRS. Allow up to 5 days for direct deposit. Allow several weeks for a check by mail.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up —
Know the normal timelines
If you file online and use direct deposit, it takes about 21 days. If you file online and get a paper check, it takes about 6 weeks. If you file on paper, it takes 6+ weeks at least. The tool updates once a day, usually overnight. If you check many times a day, you will see the same thing.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up —
If it is stuck past the timeline
Delays happen for a few common reasons. One reason is the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. By law, the IRS holds these refunds until mid-February. Other reasons are an error, a missing form, or a need to check your identity. Watch for a 5071C letter if you need to check your identity. Your return may also be picked for review. Only call the IRS after 21 days if you filed online. Wait 6 weeks if you filed on paper.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Guessing the refund amount. The tool needs the exact whole-dollar refund amount from your return. If you guess wrong, the tool locks you out for 24 hours. If you do not know the amount, open the PDF of your return first.
Using a third-party tracker or a scam text. Use Wheres My Refund on IRS.gov or the official IRS2Go mobile app. Emails or texts that claim to track your refund are scams. The IRS never contacts you first in that way.
Misreading Return Received as money sent. Return Received means the IRS has your return. Refund Approved means the IRS is done and has set a date. Refund Sent means the money has left the IRS. Allow up to 5 days for direct deposit and several weeks for a check by mail.
Checking many times a day. The tool updates once a day, usually overnight. If you check many times a day, you will see the same thing.
Calling the IRS too soon. Only call the IRS after 21 days if you filed online, or after 6 weeks if you filed on paper. By law, the IRS holds refunds with the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit until mid-February.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund without the exact amount?
No. The tool needs the exact whole-dollar amount. It uses the amount as a safety check. If you lost your copy of your return, ask for a free transcript at irs.gov/transcripts instead.
Does "Where's My Refund" show state refunds?
No. It only shows federal refunds. Each state has its own refund tracker. You can find it on your state Department of Revenue website.
The bar disappeared from the tracker — is that bad?
Not always. The tracker sometimes clears its display while your return moves to the next step. If the status is gone for more than a few days past your timeline, call the IRS refund hotline at 800-829-1954.
Keep Reading