How to Check an IRS Tax Refund Status

Check your refund status online.

The Internal Revenue Service has made it easier to check the status of an IRS tax refund online. The IRS' online tool called "Where's My Refund?" can provide information about your refund 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of your electronically filed return or three to four weeks after mailing a paper return. Let your fingers do the walking to find the status of your IRS tax refund.

Instructions

1. Get your tax information ready. This includes your Social Security number, the exact dollar amount of your federal tax refund due and your filing status. Providing the exact whole dollar amount is essential to receiving the correct response.

2. Visit the IRS website and follow the "Check on Your Refund" link on the left side of the page.

3. Click on the "Where's My Refund" logo or link. It brings up a form page that will allow you to submit your IRS tax information to find your refund status.

4. Make sure you understand what the IRS tax form is asking. The information you submit must be accurate, or you will not get the status of your IRS tax refund.

5. Click "Submit" after you have input the tax return information and verified that it is correct.

Tips & Warnings

• Check back weekly for any updates to your refund information.

• Generally, it takes 72 hours after IRS acknowledges receipt of your e-filed return, or three to four weeks after mailing a paper return to be in the system

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Where's My Refund
• Internal Revenue Service: Checking the Status of Your Refund