The IRS has made it easy to check the status of your income tax return online with their "Where's My Refund" web page.
Where's my refund?
If you are anxiously awaiting your refund check to arrive or have it deposited into your checking account, there’s no reason for it to remain a mystery. The IRS has an online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” that allows you to check the status of your refund. After providing some personal information, you can find out when it will arrive.
TurboTax also has a Where's My Refund Tracking guide that explains each step of the efiling process and how to check the status of your federal tax refund.
Checking your tax refund status online
Step 1—Wait
Wait at least three days after e-filing your tax return before checking a refund status. When you e-file your tax return to the IRS, it needs approximately three days to update your information on the website.
If you e-filed your tax return using TurboTax, you can check your e-file status online, to ensure it was accepted by the IRS. You'll also receive an e-mail confirmation directly from the IRS.
However, if you mail a paper copy of your tax return, the IRS recommends that you wait three weeks before you begin checking your refund status. Most taxpayers who e-file will receive their tax refund sooner.
Step 2—Obtain a copy of your tax return
Before you sit down to check your refund status, the IRS requires that you have some of the information from your tax return. If you printed a copy of your tax return, grab it—you’ll need the following information from it:
The Social Security number that you entered at the top of your tax return
The filing status you chose, which you can locate in the top portion of the first page to your tax form.
The exact amount of your tax refund. You can find this at the end of your tax return.
Step 3—Go to the "Where’s My Refund?" page on the IRS website
When you access the "Where's My Refund?" tool, you will see three separate boxes to enter your filing status, refund amount and Social Security number. When you finish entering this information, click on the "Submit" button on the page to see the status of your refund.
Other ways to check your tax refund status
If you don’t have access to the Internet or a computer, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to obtain the status of your refund. You will need the same three pieces of information as those who use the online tool, so be sure you have a copy of your tax return available.
TurboTax also has a Where's My Refund Tracking step-by-step guide that will show you how to find the status of your IRS or state tax refund. Use TurboTax, IRS, and state resources to track your tax refund, check return status, and learn about common delays.
With TurboTax Live Full Service, a local expert matched to your unique situation will do your taxes for you start to finish. Or, get unlimited help and advice from tax experts while you do your taxes with TurboTax Live Assisted.
And if you want to file your own taxes, you can still feel confident you'll do them right with TurboTax as we guide you step by step. No matter which way you file, we guarantee 100% accuracy and your maximum refund.
Visit the IRS contact page to get help using online tools and resources. Or: For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long.
If you filed Form 1040, Form 1040-SR, or Form 1040-NR, use the amount on Line 35a. If you filed Form 1040-PR or Form 1040SS, the refund amount is found on Line 14a.
Use the IRS Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to check your refund online. This is the fastest and easiest way to track your refund. The systems are updated once every 24 hours. You can contact the IRS to check on the status of your refund.
If the IRS is reviewing your return, the review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing.
Answer: Contact an IRS customer service representative to correct any agency errors by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).
Every year, your refund is calculated as the amount withheld for federal income tax, minus your total federal income tax for the year. A large portion of the money being withheld from each of your paychecks does not actually go toward federal income tax.
Different amount: If the refund isn't the amount you expected, you should receive a notice explaining why. If you don't receive a notice or you believe the IRS changed your refund incorrectly, contact the IRS or order a transcript to find out about any IRS changes.
(updated December 22, 2023) We issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return.
Taxpayers can view status of refund 10 days after their refund has been sent by the Assessing Officer to the Refund Banker. Status of 'paid' refund, being paid other than through 'Refund Banker', can also be viewed at www.tin-nsdl.com by entering the 'PAN' and 'Assessment Year'.
The best way to check the status your refund is through Where's My Refund?on IRS.gov. All you need is internet access and this information: Your Social Security numbers.
You can check on the status of your federal tax refund through IRS2Go. All you have to do is enter your Social Security number (which will be masked and encrypted for security purposes), select your filing status, and enter the amount of your refund for your tax return.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.
The IRS typically processes tax refunds and executes direct deposit transactions within 21 days after accepting your tax return. It's common for the IRS to issue refunds on business days, from Monday through Friday.
You can get in-person help at your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Locate a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you. Check what services are available at that location, then call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment.
If you need help while you're filing your return in Direct File, real-time live chat support from an IRS customer service representative will be available, with an option for a follow up phone call from an IRS assistor where needed.
Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
