Tax center
Track your refund
Check your federal and state refund status in one place.
Federal
Federal refund status
Checked through the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool. Available 24 hours after e-filing, or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
Check on IRS.gov ↗ Processing time
· ~21 days for e-file + direct deposit; 6–8 weeks for paper
State
State refund status
Pick the state you filed in to go straight to that state's official refund lookup tool.
Processing time
· varies widely, from 2 weeks to 6 months by state
What you'll need
—
Your Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN
—
Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
—
The exact refund amount shown on your return
—
The tax year in question
The 3 refund stages
01
Return received
The IRS has your return and review has started.
02
Refund approved
Your refund amount is final and being prepared for release.
03
Refund sent
Sent by direct deposit or mailed as a check.
Frequently asked questions
Common causes include errors or a missing signature on the return, identity verification requests, cross-checks against other filings, and debt offsets. If it's been more than 6 weeks with no change in status, check your mail for a verification letter.
Under the PATH Act, refunds that include either credit are held by law until mid-February to prevent fraud — even if you e-filed well before that.
No. "Where's My Refund?" doesn't track amended returns (Form 1040-X). Use the separate Where's My Amended Return
tool instead.
The IRS or your state can offset your refund against debts such as back taxes, child support, or defaulted student loans. If an offset applies, you'll receive a separate notice by mail explaining it.
Processing times and links for each state can change without notice. Always confirm current details on the relevant agency's official website.