How to Check Tax Refund Status

You can easily check your federal tax refund status using the IRS Where’s My Refund tool and your state refund through your state’s tax department website. In 2024, the IRS issued over 95 million refunds, with an average of about $3,200. For the 2025 tax season, most refunds are expected to follow similar timelines. 

In this blog we’ll go through how it works, what each status means, and how long refunds usually take.

How to Check the tax refund Status

Checking your refund status only takes a few minutes, but accuracy matters. Here’s what to keep ready before you check:

• Your Social Security Number

• Your filing status

• The exact refund amount

Go to the IRS website, open the “Where’s My Refund” tool, and enter the details carefully. Once you submit, you’ll see whether your return is:

• Received – The IRS got your return.

• Processing – It’s being reviewed.

• Approved or Sent – Your money is on its way.

If your refund was sent but hasn’t arrived in 5 days (for direct deposit) or 3–4 weeks (for mailed checks), you can request a refund trace through the IRS.

How to Check Your Federal Tax Refund?

1. Go to the IRS Where’s My Refund page.

2. Enter your Social Security Number.

3. Select your filing status (single, married, head of household, etc.).

4. Type in the exact refund amount from your tax return.

Once submitted, the tool will instantly show one of three statuses:

• Return Received – IRS has your return.

• Refund Approved – IRS has processed it.

• Refund Sent – It’s on its way to your bank or mailbox.

The IRS updates this tool once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so checking once a day is enough.

How to Check Your States Tax Refund Status?

Each state runs its own refund tracker. Visit your state’s Department of Revenue website and look for a link that says “Check Refund Status” or “Where’s My Refund.”

You’ll usually need:

• Your Social Security Number or taxpayer ID

• The exact refund amount

• The tax year you’re checking

For example: Florida taxpayers can visit the Florida Department of Revenue website, while California filers can check through the Franchise Tax Board portal.

Here’s how your tax refund process usually works:

1. You file your return: You or your tax preparer submit your return online or by mail.

2. IRS reviews it: The IRS checks your details, income, and credits.

3. Calculation: If you overpaid during the year, you get a refund.

4. Refund issued: The IRS sends it by direct deposit (faster) or paper check.

5. You track it: Use “Where’s My Refund” to see when it’s approved or sent.

Most taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit receive their refund within 21 days.

How Long Does It Take to Get My Refund?

• E-filed returns: Up to 21 days.

• Paper returns: Around 4–6 weeks.

• Amended returns: May take 8–12 weeks.

Delays may happen if you:

• Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)

• Submit a paper or amended return

• Make math errors or missing info

• File Form 1040-NR (for nonresidents)

The IRS says nearly 9 out of 10 refunds are issued within 21 days of e-filing.

FAQs

1. How can I check my tax refund status?

Use the IRS Where’s My Refund tool. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount.

2. How long after filing can I see my refund status?

For e-filed returns, updates appear within 24 hours. Paper returns take about four weeks.

3. What does “processing” mean?

It means the IRS received your return and is reviewing it before approval.

4. Why hasn’t my refund status changed?

It can take time due to return volume, reviews, or verification. Wait 21 days (e-filed) or 6 weeks (paper) before calling the IRS.

5. My status says “Refund Sent,” but I haven’t received it what now?

Wait 5 days for direct deposit or 3–4 weeks for a check. Then request a refund trace through the IRS.

6. Can I call the IRS for more details?

Yes, but they usually see the same info as the online tool. Only call after 21 days (e-filed) or 6 weeks (paper).

7. Can I check my refund on my phone?

Yes. Download the IRS2Go app to track your refund anytime.

8. Why might my refund be delayed?

Common reasons: filing errors, identity checks, or claiming credits like the EITC or CTC.

9. How long after approval will I get my refund?

Usually within 3–5 business days for direct deposit or 2–3 weeks by mail.

10. Can a CPA help if my refund is delayed?

Yes. SK Financial CPA can review your return, check for filing issues, and help resolve refund delays quickly.

11. How can I trace a missing refund?

File Form 3911 or contact the IRS to start a refund trace if your payment hasn’t arrived.

12. How do I check my state refund?

Visit your state’s Department of Revenue site, select “Check Refund Status,” and enter your details.

Follow SKFinancial on Facebook / Twitter / Linkedin / Youtube for updates.