The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool. You can start checking your refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received. The tool also provides a personalized refund date after the return is processed and a refund is approved.
The Where's My Refund? tool can be accessed in two ways:
On the Where's My Refund page on the IRS website.
Downloading the IRS2Go app.
To use the tool, you will need:
Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number
Tax filing status
The exact amount of the refund claimed on your tax return
The tool displays progress in three phases:
Return received
Refund approved
Refund sent
When the status changes to approved, that means the IRS is preparing to send the refund either as a direct deposit to your bank account or by check in the mail to the address used on your tax return.
The IRS updates the Where’s My Refund? tool once a day, usually overnight, so there's no need to check the it more often.
You should allow time for your bank to post the refund to your account or for it to be delivered by mail. Calling the IRS won't speed up a tax refund, and the information available on Where's My Refund? is the same information available to IRS telephone operators.
You can check the IRS Operations Status page for updates on service delays.
As of June 23, 2021, the IRS had 17.5 million unprocessed individual returns. Unprocessed returns include tax year 2020 returns such as those requiring correction to the Recovery Rebate Credit amount or validation of 2019 income used to figure the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Since this work requires special handling by an IRS employee, it's taking the IRS more than 21 days to issue any related refund.
How long you may have to wait: The IRS is rerouting tax returns and correspondence from locations that are behind to locations where more staff is available, and taking other actions to minimize delays. As the return is processed, it may be delayed because it has a mistake including errors concerning the Recovery Rebate Credit, is missing information, or there is suspected identity theft or fraud. If they need more information or need you to verify that it was you who sent the tax return, they will write you a letter to resolve the issues.
What you should do: If you filed electronically, you don't need to take any action other than promptly responding to any requests for information. Don’t file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.
Resources:
Refund FAQs Taxpayers shouldn’t believe these myths about federal tax refunds
IRS YouTube video: When Will I Get My Refund?