The process of checking the status of your tax return is relatively simple and straightforward. The federal government has instituted a system by which you can easily track the status of a tax refund online via the IRS2Go app or the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ service on the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) website. By providing some basic information, taxpayers can ascertain the status of their refunds and have an estimation of when it’s likely to arrive.
The required data to input consists of your social security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), your filing status (for example, single, married, head of household), and the accurate amount of refund claimed on your 2020 tax return. It’s important to note that it approximately takes 24 hours for an e-filed tax return to show up in the system, whereas mailed in returns could be delayed by up to four weeks.
According to the IRS, most tax refunds are issued within 21 days of the agency receiving the tax return, assuming there are no issues or errors with the filings. However, in some instances, the process can take longer, such as when a tax return includes errors, is incomplete, or needs further review. The ‘Where’s My Refund?’ system updates taxpayers on three stages of their processing; namely Return Received, Refund Approved, and Refund Sent.
In extraordinary circumstances, like the impact of COVID-19, refund timelines may be extended. The IRS in 2020 had notified taxpayers that they may experience delays due to office closures, resulting from measures taken to limit the spread of the virus.
The ‘Where’s My Refund?’ service is accessible at all times, updated once daily, usually overnight. The IRS suggests taxpayers should only call for help if it has been 21 days or more since they e-filed, six weeks or more since they mailed their return, or when the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool directs them to contact the IRS. Click here to be directed to the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ service.
Last modified: February 7, 2025
