How to Check the Status of Your Federal Tax Return

Where to check your federal return status

The IRS offers three ways to check where your federal tax return stands: the IRS website tool called "Where's My Refund?", the IRS2Go mobile app, or a phone call to the IRS. The website tool is the fastest and most direct — you enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount, and the IRS tells you whether your return is still being processed, approved, or sent to your bank.

"Where's My Refund?" updates once per day, usually overnight. If you filed electronically, the IRS typically begins processing your return within 24 hours. If you mailed a paper return, processing takes longer — usually three to six weeks before the IRS even begins to review it.

You can also read the IRS2Go app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and check the same information there. The phone number for IRS customer service is 1-800-829-1040, though wait times are often long during tax season (January through April).

Key Takeaways

The IRS website tool "Where's My Refund?" is the fastest way to check your return status — you need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount you expect.
Electronic returns are processed within 24 hours of filing, while paper returns take three to six weeks before processing even begins.
The IRS updates "Where's My Refund?" once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in one day will show the same information.
If your return shows an error or the IRS needs more information, "Where's My Refund?" will tell you what documents or steps are required.

What information you need to check your return

To use "Where's My Refund?", you must have three pieces of information ready: your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have a Social Security number), your filing status as it appears on your return (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household), and the exact refund amount you expect to receive.

The refund amount is the number from line 33 of Form 1040 (or the final refund line on whichever form you filed). If you used tax software to file, this number appears in your filing summary. If you filed on paper, it is the amount you wrote on the return itself. The IRS requires this exact amount — if you enter $1,500 when your return shows $1,487, the tool will not find your return.

You do not need your PIN, your filing date, or your preparer's information. The three pieces above are all the IRS requires.

What "Where's My Refund?" tells you at each stage

The tool shows your return in one of several states. If your return was filed electronically within the last 24 hours, the tool may say "Return Received" — this means the IRS has accepted your filing but has not yet begun processing. This is normal and does not mean anything is wrong.

Once processing begins, the tool shows "Return Approved" or "Refund Approved". This means the IRS has reviewed your return, found no errors, and approved the refund amount. At this stage, the tool also shows the date your refund will be deposited to your bank account (if you chose direct deposit) or the date your check will be mailed (if you chose a paper check).

If the tool shows "Return Under Review" or "Additional Information Needed", the IRS has found something on your return that requires clarification or correction. The tool will tell you what documents or information the IRS needs. You will also receive a letter in the mail with the same request. Do not ignore this — respond within the timeframe the IRS gives you, or your refund will be delayed or reduced.

How long processing takes at each stage

The timeline depends on how you filed. If you filed electronically, the IRS processes most returns within 21 days. This means from the moment you file until your refund is approved and sent to your bank or mailed as a check. If you chose direct deposit, the money usually arrives within three to five business days after approval. If you chose a paper check, allow seven to ten business days after approval for the check to arrive.

If you filed a paper return by mail, the IRS takes three to six weeks just to receive and scan your return into their system. Processing then takes another 21 days. This means a paper return filed in early March might not show any status in "Where's My Refund?" until late March or early April.

During tax season (January through April), processing times are longer because the IRS receives millions of returns. If you filed in May or later, processing is usually faster because the volume is lower.

What to do if your return is delayed

If "Where's My Refund?" shows no information about your return and more than 24 hours have passed since you filed electronically, check that you entered your information correctly — the most common reason the tool does not find a return is a typo in the refund amount or Social Security number.

If you filed a paper return and more than six weeks have passed since you mailed it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm they received it. Have your return copy and a copy of your mailing receipt (if you kept one) ready. The IRS can tell you whether the return arrived and what stage of processing it is in.

If "Where's My Refund?" shows "Return Under Review" or "Additional Information Needed", do not wait for a letter. The tool tells you what is needed — gather those documents and respond when ready. Delays at this stage are usually because the IRS is waiting for you to send something back.

Checking your return status by phone or mail

You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative who will look up your return status. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. Wait times during tax season often exceed 30 minutes, and the IRS may ask you to call back at a less busy time.

If you prefer not to call, you can mail a written request to the IRS. Include a copy of your return, your Social Security number, and a brief note asking for the status of your refund. Mail it to the IRS address for your state (found on the IRS website under "Where to File"). This method takes four to six weeks for a response.

The website tool "Where's My Refund?" is faster and more direct than either of these options, so use it first unless you have a specific reason you cannot access the website.

What to do if there is an error on your return

If "Where's My Refund?" shows your return is approved but you realize you made a mistake after filing, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. You must file the amended return on paper — the IRS does not accept electronic amended returns. Mail it to the same address where you sent your original return.

The IRS will process your amended return separately from your original return. If your amended return reduces your refund, the IRS will send you a smaller refund. If it increases your refund, the IRS will send you the additional amount. Processing an amended return takes about 16 weeks.

Do not file an amended return if the IRS has already sent your refund. Once the money is in your account, contact the IRS directly to discuss what to do next — you may owe money back, or the error may not require correction depending on what it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does "Where's My Refund?" say my return is not found?

The most common reason is that you entered the refund amount incorrectly. The IRS requires the exact amount from your return — if you rounded or estimated, the tool will not find it. Check your return copy or your tax software filing summary for the precise number and try again. If you filed less than 24 hours ago, wait until the next day — the IRS may not have processed it yet.

Can I check my return status if someone else filed it for me?

Yes. You need your own Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. It does not matter who prepared or filed the return — the tool only asks for information from the return itself, not the preparer's details.

What does it mean if my return shows "Return Under Review"?

"Return Under Review" means the IRS found something that needs clarification or correction. The tool tells you what is needed. You will also receive a letter in the mail. Respond within the timeframe given, or your refund will be delayed. Do not ignore this status — it requires action on your part.

How do I know if my refund was deposited to my bank account?

"Where's My Refund?" shows the deposit date once your return is approved. After that date, check your bank account directly — the IRS cannot tell you whether your bank received the deposit, only when they sent it. If the money does not appear within three to five business days after the stated deposit date, contact your bank.

Can I speed up my refund if I filed a paper return?

No. Paper returns take longer because the IRS must physically receive, open, and scan them before processing begins. The only way to avoid this delay is to file electronically next year. If you need your refund urgently, you cannot change the timeline once the return is mailed.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.