Checking the Status of Your Federal Tax Refund Is Easy

Article Highlights:

  • Your federal tax refund status can be checked online. 
  • E-file refunds are generally issued within 21 days of filing. 
  • Direct deposit provides the quickest refunds. 
If your 2018 federal return has already been filed and you are due a refund, you can check the status of your refund online.

Where’s My Refund?” is an interactive tool on the IRS website at IRS.gov. Whether you have opted for direct deposit into one account, split your refund among several accounts, or asked the IRS to mail you a check, “Where’s My Refund?” will give you online access to your refund information nearly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you e-file, you can get refund information within 24 hours after the IRS has acknowledged receipt of your return. Generally, refunds for e-filed returns are issued within 21 days. If you file a paper return, your refund information will be available within four weeks. When checking the status of your refund, have your federal tax return handy. To access your personalized refund information, you must enter:
  • Your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number); 
  • Your filing status (single, married filing joint return, married filing separate return, head of household, or qualifying widow(er)); and 
  • The exact refund amount shown on your tax return. 
Once you have entered your personal information, one of several responses may come up, including the following:
  • Acknowledgement that your return has been received and is in processing. 
  • The mailing date or direct-deposit date of your refund. 
  • Notice that the IRS has been unable to deliver your refund because of an incorrect address. You can update your address online using the feature on “Where’s My Refund?” 
The quickest refunds are via direct deposit. Allow additional time for checks to be processed through the mail.

When should you call the IRS if you don’t receive your refund? You should only call if it has been:
  • 21 days or more since your return was e-filed, 
  • 6 weeks or more since you mailed your return, or 
  • When "Where's My Refund" tells you to contact the IRS 
“Where’s My Refund?” also includes links to customized information based on your specific situation. The links will guide you through the steps to resolve any issues affecting your refund. If you have questions related to your refund, please give this office a call.





Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

Get in Touch with Team Wealth & Tax Advisors

You can count on us for professional, timely and reliable tax and accounting services. If you’re ready to get started, just fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.

40395 Winchester Rd,
Temecula, California 92591
I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .
I consent to receive SMS messages and agree with the