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 the following ready:
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Filing status
- The exact whole dollar amount of your refund
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: January 8, 2024
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