Where is my IRS Refund?

The IRS Where’s My Refund? tool allows taxpayers to check the status of their federal income tax refund online.

- When you can check:

• E-filed current-year return: Within 24 hours.

• E-filed prior-year return: After 3–4 days.

• Paper-filed return: After 4 weeks.

- Information required: Your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and exact refund amount in whole dollars.

- Three refund status stages:

1. Return Received — The IRS received your tax return.

2. Refund Approved — The IRS approved your refund.

3. Refund Sent — The IRS sent your refund.

- Amended tax returns: This tool does not track amended returns (Form 1040-X). Use the separate IRS Where’s My Amended Return? tool instead.

- Lost or missing refund checks: If more than 28 days have passed since the IRS mailed your refund, you may be able to file an online claim for a replacement check.

Important: The tool provides a personalized refund date once the IRS has processed your return and approved your refund. You can check the status of prior-year refunds as well.

Official IRS resource: Where’s My IRS Federal Refund?