The IRS Where's My Refund? tool has recently been updated to allow taxpayers to check the status of refunds for the current tax year and the two prior years (2019, 2020, and 2021).
What information do I need to use the IRS tool?
You will need your Social Security Number, the tax year you are inquiring about, the filing status on the return for that year, and the refund amount for that year.
What information will the tool provide me?
The Where's My Refund? tool allows taxpayers to track:
- If the return was received
- If the refund was approved
- Refund sent (date and amount)
When can I use the tool?
- 24 hours after e-filing the current year return
- 3-4 days after e-filing a prior year return (2019 or 2020)
- 4 weeks after mailing a return
What if the IRS tool does not provide any information about my return?
- First, check to make sure your return was e-filed and accepted or mailed to the correct address.
- Did you allow enough time for the IRS to update the tool?
- If it has been more than 21 days since you e-filed (6 weeks since you mailed your return), call the IRS for information about your refund. Since this is a self-preparation website, we will not have any information about the status of the refund.
- Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The hours are 7 AM - 7 PM local time Monday-Friday
- After first choosing your language, do NOT choose Option 1 (refund info).
- Choose option 2 for "personal income tax" instead.
- Press 1 for "form, tax history, or payment"
- Press 3 for "all other questions."
- Press 2 for "all other questions."
- When it asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, don’t enter anything. After it asks twice, you will get another menu.
- Press 2 for "personal or individual tax questions"
- Press 3 for "refund status". It should then transfer you to an agent.