How to track your tax refund

After filing your tax return, many taxpayers eagerly anticipate their tax refund as a financial boost. Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and most state tax agencies provide convenient ways to track your refund status. Knowing how to monitor your refund can help you budget, identify possible issues, and avoid delays.

Why Is Tracking Your Tax Refund Important?

Knowing the status of your refund helps you manage cash flow, confirm your return was received and processed correctly, and detect potential fraud or identity theft early. For those relying on refunds to pay bills or make purchases, tracking provides important timing information.

How to Track Your IRS Tax Refund

The IRS offers an official and secure online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” updated daily, typically overnight. To use it, you will need:

• Your Social Security Number (SSN)
• Your tax filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly)
• The exact amount of your expected refund as filed

Steps:

1. Visit the IRS official “Where’s My Refund?” page at https://www.irs.gov/refunds
2. Enter the required information
3. View your refund status, which will show as “Return Received,” “Return Processed,” or “Refund Approved” along with the expected payment date.

Alternatively, you can call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954 for assistance.

Typical IRS Refund Timelines

• E-filed returns with direct deposit: Most refunds issue within 21 days after IRS acceptance.
• Paper-filed returns: Processing can take 6 to 8 weeks or longer.
• Paper checks: Additional mailing time applies.

Note: The IRS holds refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until mid-February due to the PATH Act, delaying those refunds.

How to Track Your State Tax Refund

Each state has its own tax agency and refund tracking system. Generally, the process mirrors the IRS system:

1. Locate your state’s official tax department website (e.g., “California Franchise Tax Board” or “New York State Department of Taxation and Finance”).
2. Use the state’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
3. Enter your SSN, tax year, exact refund amount, and possibly your ZIP code.

For example, California refunds usually process within 1-3 weeks (https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/refund/), while New York may take about 3 weeks (https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/refund/).

What To Do If Your Refund Is Delayed

Common causes of delays include:

• Processing paper returns
• Errors or incomplete information
• Additional IRS review or verification
• PATH Act-related hold on certain credits
• Debt offsets (e.g., unpaid taxes, child support, student loans)
• Potential identity theft

If your refund is delayed beyond estimated timeframes:

• Recheck the online tracking tool for updates
• Review your submitted tax return for errors
• Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1954 if e-filed refund delay exceeds 21 days
• Contact your state tax agency if state refund is late

Tips for a Faster Refund

• File electronically and early
• Use direct deposit
• Carefully review your return for accuracy
• Use reputable tax software

Common Misconceptions

• Refund delays are normal and expected during peak season
• Only use official IRS and state websites to track refunds
• Large refunds often mean overpayment during the year

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I track an amended return refund? Use IRS’s “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool; processing takes longer.
• How quickly will I receive my refund after approval? Direct deposits usually arrive within 1-3 business days; paper checks take longer.
• Why might my state refund come before my federal refund? They are handled by separate agencies with different timelines.

By following these steps and tips, you can confidently track your federal and state tax refunds and address issues promptly. Always refer to the official IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/refunds) and your specific state’s tax agency for accurate, up-to-date information.