The 2025 tax season filing window closed on 15 April 2025; the taxpayers who have filed the tax return late can check the status of their tax refund on the Where’s My Refund. The tax returns filed in the rush hour near the deadline can take some time to process, hence, taxpayers should keep track of their tax refund.
Taxpayers who have filed for the six-month extension can also learn about this tool to track their tax refund when they file the tax return for the 2024 tax year. The IRS initiated this tool to make the tax system accessible and convenient for taxpayers and boost the tax revenue for the year.
IRS generally processes the refund in five days through the electronic method or a month via paper check after the tool shows the status saying the refund is sent. The tool is best to get the real-time update without waiting in the long queue of the IRS automated telephone line.
| IRS tool to track status | Where’s My Refund |
| Available At | IRS official Website or the IRS2Go app |
| Tax Deadline | 15 April 2025 |
| Deadline for taxpayers living abroad | 16 June 2025 |
| Tax Extension Deadline | 15 October 2025 |
| Status Updated | Overnight a day |
| Tool Unavailable at | Between 4 AM to 5 AM |
| IRS refund Enquiry number | 800-829-1954 |
| Official Website | https://www.irs.gov/ |
Where’s My Refund tool
The IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool is designed to provide the refund status to curious taxpayers who are wondering about their refund after filing their tax returns. The service of tracking the refund status is available for the current tax year and the tax year for which returns filing is allowed.
Taxpayers can easily avail this tool based on their preference, like you can use it on the IRS2Go mobile app if you prefer mobile, or you can use online services if you prefer checking it on the official website. The agency updates tax information on the tool only once a day, that is, overnight.
The tool tells the status in the three stages – (1) when IRS received your return and begin the processing, that is, Return Received; (2) when the refund entered is approved, that is, Refund approved, (3) when the refund is rolled out, that is, Refund Sent.
When to check?
The US citizens expecting a tax refund after filing the tax return can check the refund status as per the following conditions:
- More than a day has passed since you submitted your electronically filed federal tax return.
- It’s been around 72 hours or 96 hours since you e-filed the tax return for the past years.
- The paper return filers should wait for at least four weeks to check the refund status through the tools, as it will take time for the tax form to reach the agency.
Important Note: The Where’s My Refund tool is updated every day, hence, the tool will be out of reach or not in operation during the early morning hours, between 4 AM to 5 AM.
Steps to use
To find out how to use the Where’s My Refund feature or tool to monitor the status of their tax return, taxpayers can follow these instructions:
- You should visit the IRS official website mentioned above or go to the IRS2Go app.
- Next, on the IRS official homepage, you should click the Get Your Refund Status in the help section, while in the app, you find the Refund tool in the services section.
- You should click the “Check Your Refund” option on the Where’s My Refund page or interface that appears on your screen.
- On the next page, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and tax year (2024, 2023, or 2022), and the refund amount entered in the tax return.
- Once all the details are entered, click the Submit button to see the tax refund status on your screen.
Actions to take in case of a missing refund
The tax refunds can be delayed due to various factors, such as missing or incorrect tax information, invalid bank details or mailing address, or owing tax debt to the agency. The taxpayers who face delay or have not received the refund even after the refund status shows the refund sent status should take the following action:
- First, you should wait for five days if you have filed the tax return with direct deposit or a month for a paper check before taking any action to contact or inquire about the refund.
- You would receive an IRS letter if the agency needs more information to process your tax refund, so you must send the correct information in time.
- You can contact the IRS at 800-829-1954 when you find the same status for more than a week, or you have not received the refund status within the expected time.
The IRS tax refund generally processes on time for the filers with valid returns; however, if you are wondering about your tax refund whereabouts, Where’s My Refund is your go-to tool to get the status as recorded in the IRS system.