How to Find Out If an IRS Refund Check Has Been Sent

Filing a paper tax return means you will wait longer for your refund check.

The tax-filing deadline comes around quickly each year. Pulling together the receipts, 1099s and other tax-related information consumes a lot of time and energy. When you complete the task successfully and learn you will receive a refund, you probably want to receive the check or deposit as quickly as possible. If you file your return electronically, you will receive your refund in about three weeks. If you file by mail, your refund will take about six weeks. The Internal Revenue Service makes it easy to check the status of your refund by telephone or online.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number
• Tax filing status
• Exact whole-dollar amount of refund

Instructions

1. Wait three to four days after filing electronically for the IRS to enter your filing information into its system. The IRS requires three to four weeks if you mailed a paper return.

2. Go to the IRS.gov website. Look for the "Where's My Refund?" link on the right side of the home page. Click on the link to enter the information necessary to track your refund. You can also call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 and provide the same information.

3. Enter your Social Security number, your filing status and the exact whole-dollar amount of the refund. If you filed jointly, use the Social Security number of the person listed first on your return.

4. Review the information displayed about your return. The IRS will indicate the date it will issue your check or deposit the funds into your account. If you do not receive your refund within 28 days of the specified date, file an online claim for a replacement check. Follow the instructions provided in the "Where's My Refund?" tool.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have changed your address since you filed your tax return, the postal service may have returned your check as undeliverable. The IRS tool will allow you to change your address online so the IRS can resend your check. Read IRS Tax Topic 303 for other reasons that could delay your refund check.

• Before you cash a refund check that is larger than you anticipated, wait to receive an explanation from the IRS.

References

• IRS: Where's My Refund?
• IRS: Ten Things You Need to Know About Tax Refunds

Resources

• Bankrate: Tracking Down Your Tax Refund