How Do I Check on My Federal Tax Refund?
Securely track your federal tax refund from submission to payment. This guide explains the official IRS process and helps you interpret your current status.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has created official channels for taxpayers to monitor the progress of their expected federal tax refund. These systems provide direct updates as a return moves through the various stages of processing. Using these government-provided resources is the most reliable way to obtain current information regarding your refund.
Information Needed to Track Your Refund
Before checking your refund’s status, you must gather specific pieces of information. The IRS requires these details to verify your identity and locate the correct tax return in its system.
You will need your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). This number must be the same one that appears on your submitted tax return. You also need to know the filing status you used, such as Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household.
The final required item is the exact refund amount you are expecting, in a whole dollar amount. You can find this specific figure on your completed tax return. For the 2023 tax year, this amount is located on line 35a of the Form 1040.
Using IRS Refund Tracking Tools
The primary tool from the IRS for monitoring your refund is the “Where’s My Refund?” portal, accessible on the IRS website. To use this tool, you will be prompted to enter your SSN or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount.
For those who prefer a mobile device, the IRS offers the IRS2Go app. This application provides the same functionality as the website portal, allowing you to check your refund status from a smartphone or tablet. You will enter the same three required data points to retrieve your information.
Both the online portal and the mobile app are updated once every 24 hours, typically overnight. This means there is no need to check your status multiple times throughout the day, as the information will not change until the next daily update. The IRS systems are available 24/7 for access.
Understanding Your Refund Status
Once you submit your information, the “Where’s My Refund?” tool will display one of three main statuses. Each status represents a specific stage in the processing of your tax return and refund.
The first status is “Return Received.” This confirms that the IRS has received your return and is processing it. It does not mean the return has been approved or that a refund is confirmed, but is an acknowledgment that your return has entered the system.
Following this, the status will change to “Refund Approved.” This indicates that the IRS has processed your return, verified the amount of your refund, and approved it for issuance. The system will often provide a projected date for when the refund will be sent.
The final status is “Refund Sent.” This message confirms the IRS has sent your refund to your bank for direct deposit or has mailed a paper check. If you see this status but have not received your funds, it may take a few days for your bank to process the deposit or for a check to arrive by mail.
General Refund Timelines
While the “Where’s My Refund?” tool provides a real-time status, it is helpful to understand the general timelines for refund issuance. The IRS generally issues most refunds in less than 21 days for taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit. This combination is the fastest method.
Filing a paper tax return will result in a longer waiting period. Processing for paper returns can take four weeks or more from the date the IRS receives the return. These timelines are estimates, and factors such as errors on the tax return or claims for specific tax credits can lead to delays.