Internal Revenue Service (The IRS) provides taxpayers with convenient tools to track the status of their tax refunds and related payments. The primary tool used to monitor refund progress is the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ feature, which is available on IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go mobile app.
US Tax Refund 2026: How Can We Check IRS Refund Status? Here are the steps to monitor progress (Pexel)Here’s how you can track your IRS refund status’Where’s my refund?’ The tool, which can be used to check refund status, is available 24 hours a day on IRS.gov and through the IRS2Go app. You can check the status of your refund 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an electronically filed (e-filed) return, 3-4 days after e-filing a prior-year return, and 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
The tool updates once a day, usually overnight. It is usually unavailable between 4:00 am and 5:00 am ET while updates are being processed.
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What information is required to check status?’Where’s my refund?’ Tool, taxpayers must provide:
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)Filing status (eg, single, married filing jointly)The exact whole dollar amount of the expected refundWhat is the phase of the refund status?Refund progress is displayed by the tracker in three steps:
Return Received – The IRS has received and is now processing the tax return.Refund Approved – The IRS has approved the refund and is now preparing to issue the payment.Refund Sent – The refund is sent to the taxpayer’s bank or mailed as a check.Read more Social Security payments on February 11: What to know about eligibility, schedules, special cases and more
Once it is approved the tool will provide a personalized refund date.
While most refunds are issued within 21 days of receiving an electronically filed return, some refunds may take longer in certain circumstances.
