Where's My Refund? (IRS Refund Status)

What is Where's My Refund?

Where's My Refund? is a free tool from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that lets you check the status of your federal tax refund. You can see where your money is in the process—whether it's still being processed, approved, or on its way to you.

This is not a program that pays you money. It's a way to look up information about a refund you're expecting after you file your tax return.

Who can use it

You can use Where's My Refund? if you filed a federal tax return and are waiting for a refund. You don't need to qualify for anything. Anyone who filed can check their refund status.

You'll need:

• Your Social Security number
• Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
• The expected refund amount in whole dollars

How to check your refund status

Go to the IRS tool at www.irs.gov/refunds and enter your information. The tool will show you the current status.

The IRS usually processes most returns within a few weeks. Some returns take longer if:

• You claimed certain tax credits
• Your return had math errors or missing information
• The IRS needs to verify your identity
• You filed a paper return instead of electronically

What the status messages mean

The tool will tell you one of these things:

• Return receivedThe IRS got your return and is processing it.
• ApprovedYour return was approved. Your refund is being prepared to send.
• SentYour refund was mailed or is on the way to your bank account.
• Not availableThe IRS doesn't have information about your return yet, or there's a problem.

If you see "not available," wait a few days and check again. Or contact the IRS for help.

What if there's a problem

If your refund is taking longer than expected, or if the tool says your return is not available, you may need to contact the IRS. Common reasons for delays:

• You made a mistake on your return (like a wrong Social Security number)
• Your refund was sent to the wrong bank account
• Your identity needs to be verified
• You claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit

If the IRS needs more information from you, they will send you a letter in the mail. Follow the instructions in the letter.

Refunds and other help

If you don't get a refund or your refund is small, you may qualify for other money:

• Tax creditsThe EITC, Child Tax Credit, and other credits can reduce what you owe and give you a refund.
• Unclaimed moneyYou may have money waiting for you from other sources. Check /unclaimed-money to search.
• Government benefitsIf you have low income, you may qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, or other programs. Use our /screener to see what you might get.

After you get your refund

The IRS will send your refund either by direct deposit to your bank account or by paper check in the mail. Direct deposit is faster—usually a few days.

If you got a paper check:

• Wait at least a few weeks after the tool says your refund was sent.
• If you still don't have it after that time, it may have been lost in the mail.
• Contact the IRS for a replacement check.

If you got a direct deposit:

• Check your bank account to see the deposit.
• If it's not there after a few days, contact your bank.

Questions?

For more information about your refund, visit www.irs.gov/refunds.

For help with taxes in general, see /help.

If you think you're owed money from other sources, check /unclaimed-money.