IRS Tax Tip 2021-70, May 19, 2021 The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received. The tool also provides a personalized refund date after the return is processed and a refund is approved. Taxpayers can access the Where's My Refund? tool two ways: Visiting IRS.gov Downloading the IRS2Go app To use the tool, taxpayers will need: Their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number Tax filing status The exact amount of the refund claimed on their tax return The tool displays progress in three phases: Return received Refund approved Refund sent When the status changes to approved, this means the IRS is preparing to send the refund as a direct deposit to the taxpayer's bank account or directly to the taxpayer in the mail, by check, to the address used on their tax return. The IRS updates the Where's My Refund? tool once a day, usually overnight, so taxpayers don't need to check the status more often. Taxpayers allow time for their financial institution to post the refund to their account or for it to be delivered by mail. Calling the IRS won't speed up a tax refund. The information available on Where's My Refund? is the same information available to IRS telephone assistors. More information: Refund FAQs Taxpayers shouldn't believe these myths about federal tax refunds IRS YouTube video: When Will I Get My Refund? (Obsolete) Subscribe to IRS Tax Tips
