How to Check the Status of My Tax Return

Find out if the IRS received your tax return and check the status of your refund.

Whether you owe taxes or you’re expecting a refund, you can find out your tax return’s status by:

• Using the IRS Where’s My Refund tool

• Viewing your IRS account information

• Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Wait times to speak to a representative may be long.)

You can start checking on the status of your refund within 24 hours after the IRS has received your e-filed return or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return. Where’s My Refund? will give you a personalized refund date after we process your return and approve your refund.

The tracker displays progress through three stages:

1. Return Received
2. Refund Approved
3. Refund Sent

To use Where’s My Refund, you need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund.