Where’s My Refund Tracker: How to Check Your Refund Status
Learn how to track your refund status, understand potential delays, and ensure you have the right information for accurate updates.
Tax refunds provide a financial boost, but waiting for them can be frustrating. Fortunately, the IRS and state tax agencies offer online tools to track refund status, helping taxpayers stay informed.
Understanding how to check refund status and what affects processing times can help ease concerns.
Steps to Initiate a Refund Status Check
The fastest way to check a federal tax refund is through the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, available on the IRS website and mobile app. Taxpayers must enter their Social Security number (SSN), filing status, and the exact refund amount. The system updates once per day, typically overnight.
For electronic filers, status updates are usually available within 24 hours of IRS acceptance. Paper filers should wait at least four weeks before checking, as manual processing takes longer. The tool provides three updates: “Return Received,” “Refund Approved,” and “Refund Sent.” Once sent, the timing of the deposit depends on the recipient’s bank.
State tax refunds follow a similar process, but each state has its own tracking system. Most states offer online portals where taxpayers can check their status using details from their state return. Processing times vary, with some states issuing refunds within weeks, while others take longer due to verification steps.
Documents Required for Verification
To check refund status, taxpayers must provide their SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) along with the exact refund amount from their return. Even minor discrepancies can prevent access.
For joint filers, the SSN of the primary filer—the individual listed first on the tax return—must be used. State refund tracking may require additional details, such as a driver’s license number, ZIP code, or filing year.
Factors That Can Delay Status Updates
Processing delays can occur for various reasons. Returns claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) undergo extra verification. Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue refunds with these credits before mid-February, even if filed early.
Errors in reported income, deductions, or withholding can also slow processing. If figures don’t match IRS records, the return may be flagged for review. This often happens when taxpayers forget to include freelance income or investment earnings. A mismatch between employer-reported wages and what a taxpayer enters can also trigger delays.
A history of audits or prior discrepancies may extend processing times. The IRS uses automated systems to detect patterns of noncompliance, and past issues can lead to heightened scrutiny.
If identity theft is suspected, the IRS may hold the refund until verification is completed. This often involves responding to a letter, such as IRS Notice CP01A or Letter 5071C, instructing taxpayers to confirm their identity online or by phone. Failing to do so promptly can result in indefinite delays.
Methods for Getting Refund Notifications
Instead of manually checking refund status, taxpayers can opt for automated updates. The IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool provides notifications when a refund moves through different stages. The IRS2Go mobile app allows users to receive email or text alerts.
Many banks offer deposit notifications, which can help taxpayers track when funds arrive. Some banks allow customers to set custom alerts for deposits over a certain amount.
Taxpayers who used tax preparation services like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct may receive refund status updates from these providers. Many tax software companies send email and SMS notifications when the IRS processes a refund and may estimate deposit dates based on historical timelines.
What to Do if Your Tracker Doesn’t Update
If a refund tracker hasn’t updated for more than 21 days after e-filing or six weeks after mailing a paper return, contacting the IRS may be necessary. The IRS refund hotline at 800-829-1954 can provide information. Before calling, taxpayers should have a copy of their return, as agents may request details like adjusted gross income (AGI) or refund amount. If the return is flagged for review, the IRS may request additional verification.
For state refunds, contacting the state’s revenue department is the best course of action. Each state has its own processing timelines, and some take longer due to fraud prevention measures. Many states have online portals where taxpayers can submit inquiries or check for outstanding requests.
If a refund is significantly overdue, taxpayers may seek help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS that assists with long-standing tax issues.