Where's My Refund?

Use this tool to check the status of your tax refund. The refund status will appear as follows:

• 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return
• 3 or 4 days after you e-file a prior-year return
• 4 weeks after you file a paper return

How it Works

Where's My Refund shows your refund status in three stages:

1. Return Received: This means that the IRS has received your tax return and is currently processing it.
2. Refund Approved: This means that your refund has been approved by the IRS and is being prepared for issuance. The date of issuance will be shown.
3. Refund Sent: This means that the IRS has sent your refund either to your bank account or by mail. It may take up to 5 days for the refund to show in your bank account or several weeks for the check to arrive in the mail.

Before Filing a Second Tax Return

Filing the same tax return again typically won't speed up your refund and could cause delays. You should only resubmit your tax return, electronically if possible, if all of the following apply:

1. You are due a refund.
2. You filed on paper more than 6 months ago.
3. Where's My Refund doesn't show that the IRS received your return.

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 26-Mar-2024