Where can i check the status of my tax return

Where’s my refund? We can help.

The IRS sends most refunds within three weeks of when you file your taxes. Want to know where your refund is right now? Let’s find out.

Check your federal tax refund status.

Couldn’t find your refund with our tool or you filed a paper copy of your tax return? You can still check the status of your federal income tax refund. Go to the IRS’ Where’s My Refund tool and enter this info:

• Social Security number
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount shown on your return
  

Don't forget!

Add an extra two to five days from the date listed by the IRS for your bank to process the refund.

Check your state refund status.

View our state list to check your refund status from the states where you lived and worked.

The IRS usually sends out refunds within three weeks, but sometimes it can take a bit longer. For example, the IRS may have a question about your return. Here are other common reasons for a delayed tax refund and what you can do.

At H&R Block, you can always count on us to help you get your max refund year after year. You can increase your paycheck withholdings to get a bigger refund at tax time. Our W-4 calculator can help.

The IRS usually sends out most refunds within three weeks, but sometimes it can take a bit longer if the return needs additional review. 

The IRS' refund tracker updates once every 24 hours, typically overnight. That means you don't need to check your status more than once a day.

Your status messages might include refund received, refund approved, and refund sent. Find out what these e-file status messages mean and what to expect next. 

Having your refund direct deposited on your H&R Block Emerald Prepaid Mastercard® allows you to access the money quicker than by mail. H&R Block's bank (MetaBank®, N.A.) will add your money to your card as soon as the IRS approves your refund. 

Amended returns can take longer to process as they go through the mail vs. e-filing. Check out your options for tracking your amended return and how we can help. 

The IRS is always busy during the spring season, but this year the agency is hustling more than ever to keep up with its extra workload, smaller staff and back log of tax returns.

If you're still waiting on your tax return to arrive, either through direct deposit to your bank or as a paper check, don't file a second tax return or call the IRS (per a statement on the agency's website). Instead, use one of two tools available through the IRS website and/or its mobile app to check the status of your return.

How to check when you will receive your tax return

IRS2Go is the official mobile app of the IRS, which you can use to check your refund status, make a payment, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more. The app is available in Spanish and English, and you can download it from Google Play, the Apple App Store or Amazon.

You can also use the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website. To check your refund status, you will need your social security number or ITIN, your filing status and the exact refund amount you are expecting.

The IRS updates the tool's refund status on a daily basis, usually overnight, so check back in routinely for the most up-to-date information.

If it's been more than 21 days since you e-filed your federal tax return, you should you call the agency directly.

If you haven't filed your taxes for the 2021 tax year yet, consider going with a tax prep software that offers expert tax assistance. Speaking with a tax-prep expert may help ensure that your return is accurate, which can help facilitate a timely return.

Here are Select's top picks for best tax filing software:

• Best overall tax software: TurboTax
• Runner-up: H&R Block
• Best free tax software: Credit Karma Tax
• Best affordable tax software: TaxSlayer
• Best for accuracy guarantee: TaxAct

Read more

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.