Where's My Refund? How to Check the Status of My Tax Return
Check Your Federal Tax Refund Status
If you have filed your federal income taxes and expect to receive a refund, you can track its status.
Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund ready.
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Use the Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to check your refund online. This is the fastest and easiest way to track your refund. The systems are updated once every 24 hours.
You can call the IRS to check on the status of your refund. However, wait times to speak with a representative can be long. But you can avoid the wait by using the automated phone system. Follow the message prompts when you call.
Find out if Your Tax Return Was Submitted
You can file your tax return by mail, through an e-filing website or software, or by using the services of a tax preparer. Whether you owe taxes or you’re expecting a refund, you can find out your tax return’s status by:
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Using the IRS Where’s My Refund tool
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Calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Wait times to speak to a representative may be long.)
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Looking for emails or status updates from your e-filing website or software
If you file your taxes by mail, you can track your tax return and get a confirmation when the IRS has received it. To do so, use USPS Certified Mail or another mail service that has tracking or delivery confirmation services.