If you expect a federal or state tax refund, you can track its status. Learn how and what information you will need.
Check your federal tax refund status
Before checking on your refund, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund ready.
Use the IRS Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to check your refund online. This is the fastest and easiest way to track your refund. The systems are updated once every 24 hours.
You can contact the IRS to check on the status of your refund. If you call, wait times to speak with a representative can be long. But you can avoid the wait by using the automated phone system. Follow the message prompts when you call.
Find out when to expect your federal tax refund
The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days of when you electronically filed your tax return, and longer for paper returns. Find out why your refund may be delayed or may not be the amount you expected.
Check your state tax refund status
Contact your state’s taxation department to learn about tracking your state tax refund status.
LAST UPDATED: December 8, 2023
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Chat with USAGov I've got the tax refund process down to a science! I've navigated both federal and state refund systems, staying updated with the IRS guidelines and their Where's My Refund tool. Here's the lowdown:
Federal Tax Refund Tracking:
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Essential Information Needed:
- Social Security Number
- Filing Status
- Exact whole dollar amount of your refund
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Tools for Tracking:
- IRS Where's My Refund Tool: Accessed online, this is the quickest and simplest method. It's updated every 24 hours.
- IRS2Go Mobile App: Offers a mobile alternative for tracking refunds.
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Contacting the IRS:
- Calling for an update is an option, but be ready for potential lengthy wait times.
- An automated phone system can bypass the wait, guiding you through prompts for updates.
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Expected Refund Timeline:
- Typically, refunds are issued within 21 days for e-filed returns, but paper returns may take longer.
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Possible Delays or Variances:
- Reasons for delays could vary from errors in the return to discrepancies in expected amounts.
State Tax Refund Status:
- State-Specific Tracking:
- Contact your state's taxation department to inquire about tracking your state tax refund status.
General Tips:
- Stay updated with the IRS guidelines and timelines.
- Electronically filed returns often yield quicker refunds compared to paper returns.
- Be prepared for potential delays due to errors or discrepancies.
This information aligns with the guidance provided by the IRS for tracking federal tax refunds and offers insight into state-specific procedures. If you have any further questions, I'm here to assist!
