You can easily check your refund status online using the IRS’ 'Where's My Refund' portal. The average tax refund amount is approximately $3,182, which is approximately 5% higher than it was last year, so it makes sense that you want to know when to expect yours.
As of the week ending on March 1, 2024, the IRS had processed more than 53 million tax returns, but the agency has more to process (and more refunds to issue) this tax season. You can track your federal income tax return as soon as the IRS accepts it.
IRS “Where’s My Refund” status
The "Where's My Refund" tool can show the status of your tax refund as early as 24 hours after the IRS receives your e-filed return or four weeks after you mail a paper return.
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In most cases, 'Where’s My Refund' will show you one of three refund statuses.
- Received: The IRS has your tax return and is processing it.
- Approved: The IRS is preparing to send your refund.
- Sent: Your refund money is on its way.
If the IRS is still reviewing your return, the tool may display instructions or an explanation of what the IRS is doing instead of these statuses. You might see Tax Topic 152, meaning the IRS is still processing your return. Once your refund is processed and approved, the tool will give you an estimated date you will receive your payment.
Additionally, recent enhancements to the 'Where's My Refund' tool allow you to better understand your refund status — without calling the IRS.
- Messages will include detailed refund status information in "plain language."
- There is better access to the tool on mobile devices and with the IRS2Go app.
- If the IRS needs more information to process your return, you will see a notification in the 'Where's My Refund' tool.
When does 'Where's My Refund' update? 'Where's My Refund' is only updated once per day — usually at night — so there's no need to check your status more often than that.
Track your tax refund status
To access the "Where's My Refund" tool, you need to enter your Social Security number (or individual taxpayer identification number, TIN), the filing status used on your federal income tax return, and the exact whole dollar refund amount shown on your return.
If you filed a joint return, you can use either spouse's Social Security number. There are five filing status options.
- Single
- Married-Filing Joint Return
- Married-Filing Separate Return
- Head of Household
- Qualifying Widow
If you chose to have your tax preparation fees taken out of your federal refund, the total refund amount you need to enter in the tool might not reflect the refund you will actually get. Ensure you enter the total federal refund amount rather than the amount after any applicable fees are deducted.
When to expect your tax refund in 2024
The IRS issues most tax refunds within three weeks for e-filed returns (six to eight weeks for paper returns). However, several circumstances can cause a tax refund delay. These include errors, incomplete returns, and refunds that need adjusting. Sometimes, 'Where's My Refund' will provide information about the reason for the delay.
You might see Tax Topic 203 in the online portal if the IRS has reduced your refund amount. All or part of your refund can be diverted ("offset") to pay off the following debts.
- Federal tax
- State income tax
- State unemployment compensation debts
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Defaulted federal student loans (for some borrowers)
- Other federal nontax debts
If you chose direct deposit for your tax refund, it can take five or more days after the IRS sends the payment for it to show in your bank account. Some banks will credit funds more quickly than others. If you're getting a paper check, it could take a few weeks before you receive it in the mail.
“Where’s My Amended Return” tax refund
Refund information for an amended federal income tax return on Form 1040X isn't available on the "Where's My Refund" portal. But you can check the status of your amended return through the 'Where's My Amended Return' portal.
To access the tool, you'll need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and zip code.
Once you submit an amended return, it can take up to three weeks for information to show up in the portal. The "Where's My Amended Return" tool will let you know if your amended return is received, adjusted, or completed. It can take up to 20 weeks for the IRS to process your return.
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