US tax refund tracker: How to check status, timelines after e-filing, paper filing; key details to know
US tax refund tracker: US taxpayers can track their income tax refund status using the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) “Where’s My Refund” tool, which provides near real-time updates on refund processing stages, expected timelines and payment status.According to information available on the IRS website, refund status generally becomes visible within 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return, 3–4 days after e-filing a prior-year return, and around four weeks after filing a paper return. The system updates once daily, usually overnight, and is typically unavailable between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Eastern Time due to routine updates.
What you need to check refund status
To access refund details, taxpayers must provide:
- Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Filing status
- Exact refund amount mentioned in the return
Refund status can also be checked through the IRS2Go mobile application, apart from the online tracker.
How the IRS refund tracker works
The “Where’s My Refund” tool shows three key processing stages:
- Return Received: IRS has received the tax return and is processing it.
- Refund Approved: Refund has been approved and is being prepared for payment.
- Refund Sent: Refund has been issued. It may take up to five days to reflect in bank accounts or several weeks if sent via paper cheque.
When refunds may get delayed
Refunds may take longer if:
- The return needs corrections
- Additional verification is required
- IRS needs more information (usually communicated through an official letter)
Taxpayers are advised not to file a duplicate return, as it can delay processing. Refiling is recommended only if a paper return was filed more than six months ago, a refund is due, and the tracker does not show receipt of the return.
Special cases: Amended returns and lost refund cheques
Refund status for amended returns (Form 1040-X) is not available on the main tracker and must be checked separately through the “Where’s My Amended Return” tool.If a refund cheque is lost, stolen or destroyed, taxpayers can usually file a replacement claim online after 28 days from the mailing date.
Business tax refund
For refund status related to federal returns other than individual Form 1040 filings, taxpayers must contact IRS helplines directly, as this data is not available through the standard refund tracker.
