The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2024 (returns filed in 2025).
Wondering when you will receive your federal tax refund? It’s easy to find out!
Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go app to check your refund status. You will need the following:
- SSN or ITIN
- Your filing status
- The exact amount of the refund you are expecting
The IRS tool is updated on a daily basis, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check more often. Most refunds are issued within 21 days.
Pro Tip: Get an update on your refund ASAP by e-filing with a tax prep service like ezTaxReturn—simple returns can be filed in just 30 minutes and you will typically see your refund status updated within 24 hours.
E-filing is also the fastest way to get your refund—select the direct deposit option to get your refund delivered right to your account within a few weeks.
If you have not filed your taxes yet, our DIY software can walk you through the process, step-by-step. File a FREE simple federal return on any device in 30 minutes or less.
How Tax Refunds Work
A tax refund is the amount of money you receive from the government when you have paid more in taxes than you owe. This can happen when you have overpaid your taxes throughout the year or when you are eligible for tax credits.
To receive a tax refund, you must file a tax return. The tax return is a document that reports your income, deductions, and credits to the government. You can file your tax return electronically or by mail. Electronic filing is recommended as it is faster and more accurate.
When you file your tax return, you can choose to receive your refund by direct deposit, paper check, or prepaid debit card. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund, as it is deposited directly into your bank account. Paper checks and prepaid debit cards take longer to process and may be subject to additional fees.
It’s essential to keep track of your refund status to see when you’ll receive your refund. You can check your refund status online or by phone using the exact refund amount and your Social Security number. If you have any issues with your refund, you can contact the IRS Contact Center for assistance.
When Can I Check My Refund Status?
You can start tracking your refund 24 hours after your return has been both e-filed and accepted. However, if you mailed your tax return to the IRS, you’ll need to wait four weeks before checking your refund status, as paper returns take longer to process.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Tax Refund?
The IRS issues 9 out of 10 refunds within 21 days. If you opted for a refund check, it may take longer to arrive compared to direct deposit. Your return may take longer to be processed if it requires additional review by the IRS, or your filing gets audited.
Why Is My Tax Refund Delayed?
There are several things that can slow down your refund. Here are some reasons yours may be delayed:
- You chose to file a paper return
- You made a mistake or your return is incomplete
- The IRS suspects identity theft or fraud
- You claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit
- Your return needs further review
- Your return included Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation which takes up to 14 weeks to be processed.
- Errors in the bank account or routing numbers provided to your financial institution
Refund Security
Refund security is a top priority for the government. To protect your refund, it’s essential to keep your personal and financial information secure. Here are some tips to help you protect your refund:
- Keep your Social Security number and refund amount confidential.
- Use a secure internet connection when checking your refund status online.
- Avoid using public computers or public Wi-Fi to access your refund information.
- Keep your bank account and routing numbers secure to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
- Be cautious of phishing scams that may try to obtain your personal and financial information.
Additionally, the government has implemented various security measures to protect your refund. These measures include:
- Encryption of refund information to prevent unauthorized access.
- Secure online portals to check refund status and access refund information.
- Verification of identity and refund information to prevent fraud.
- Monitoring of refund activity to detect and prevent suspicious activity.
By following these tips and being aware of the security measures in place, you can help protect your refund and ensure that it is processed securely and efficiently.
How Do I Check the Refund Status of an Amended Return?
If you need to make changes to your return after you filed it, you can file an amended return.
To check the status of your refund on an amended return, use the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool on their website.
You will need the following:
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Your residential zip code
You can check the status of an amended return about 3 weeks after you submit it. Expect to wait up to 20 weeks for your return to be processed.
ezTaxReturn takes the guesswork out of filing taxes. Get your refund faster and start your FREE simple federal return today.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
