The IRS Where's My Refund? tool isn't just for the most recent tax return. Taxpayers can also check the status of refunds from the current tax year and up to three prior years that are supported by the IRS system.
Whether you're waiting for a recent refund or trying to track down money from a past return, this tool is usually the fastest place to start.
What Information Do I Need to Use the IRS Where's My Refund Tool?
- Your Social Security number (SSN)
- The tax year you're checking
- Your filing status for that tax year
- The refund amount shown on that return
What Information Will the Tool Show?
- The IRS received your return
- Your refund was approved
- Your refund was sent, including the payment date and amount
When Can I Check My Refund Status?
The IRS updates refund information at different times depending on how the return was filed.
You can generally check:
- About 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return
- About 3 to 4 days after e-filing an eligible prior-year return
- About 4 weeks after mailing a paper return
What If the IRS Tool Doesn't Show Any Information?
If the Where's My Refund? tool can't find your return, don't panic. A few common issues can prevent a refund status from appearing.
First, verify that:
- Your return was successfully e-filed and accepted, or mailed to the correct IRS address.
- You've allowed enough processing time for the IRS to update its records.
- The information you're entering matches the return exactly.
If everything looks correct and you still can't find your refund status, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. Representatives are generally available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.
When calling:
- When prompted for the reason for your call, remain silent.
- Say "refund" or follow the automated prompt for refund updates.
- Enter your tax year, Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount when requested.
- Listen to the automated refund information.
- Stay on the line if you'd like the option to speak with an IRS representative.
A Missing Refund Doesn't Always Mean It's Lost
In many cases, a refund is simply still being processed or the IRS hasn't updated its online records yet. Checking the Where's My Refund? tool first can save time and help you understand exactly where your refund stands before contacting the IRS.
If you filed through tax software, you may also want to confirm that your return was accepted by the IRS, since acceptance is different from receiving a refund. Once the IRS accepts a return, refund processing can still take additional time depending on the filing method, refund type, and whether the return requires further review.