As tax season progresses ahead of the April 15 deadline, many taxpayers are waiting for their returns to arrive. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers an online tracking feature called “Where’s My Refund?” which allows filers to monitor the status of their returns.
The IRS typically issues most refunds within 21 days of receiving an electronically filed return. (Getty Images via AFP)The tool is available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go mobile app.
How the tool works”Where’s my refund?” The tracker shows the return progress in three stages:
Receipt of return – The IRS has received the tax return and is processing it.Refund Approved – The refund has been approved and is being prepared for payment.Refunded – A refund has been issued, either by direct deposit or by mailed check.Also Read: IRS Tax Returns 2026: 5 Reasons Taxpayers May Get Low Refunds and How to Avoid Them
Once the refund is approved, the tool provides a personalized date for when the payment will be sent.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, the system updates once a day, usually overnight, and may be temporarily unavailable in the early morning hours while updates are processed.
When can you check the status of your refund?Taxpayers cannot check their status at the time of filing.
As the San Antonio Express-News reports, those who file electronically must wait at least 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of their return before using the tracker. For prior year electronic returns, it may take three to four days for the information to appear.
If returns are filed by mail, status information may not be available for up to four weeks.
Also Read: IRS Alert: Alert Issued For People Claiming 2 Certain Tax Credits – What To Know
The IRS typically issues most refunds within 21 days of receiving an electronically filed return, although in some cases it may take longer depending on individual circumstances.
To use the tool, taxpayers must provide their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact whole-dollar amount of their expected refund.
