The IRS expects to receive more than 140 million individual tax returns ahead of the Apr. 15, 2025, federal deadline.
Almost 80% of filers anticipate a refund this year, according to a survey by tax software company TaxSlayer.
Waiting for your refund can be scary, especially since so many of us use it for necessities like rent, credit card bills and groceries.
Here's how to track where your refund is — and what might be holding it up.
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Where's my tax refund?
If you filed an electronic return and signed up for direct deposit, the IRS says you should get any refund you are due within 21 days of filing, as long as there are no issues.
If you sent your return by mail, requested a paper check or filed an amended return, it could take eight weeks or longer for any refund to be processed.
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How to check the status of your refund
You can keep tabs on your refund with the IRS's Where's My Refund tool or with the IRS2Go app, which you can download from Apple's App Store, Google Play or Amazon.
You'll need to know your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number to use either service, as well as your filing status and the exact amount of the refund you're expecting.
The status of your return and any refund should be available within 24 hours of e-filing. The IRS typically updates information overnight, so you may need to check several times for current information.
Why is my refund taking so long?
A variety of issues can hold up a refund, including:
- A return with math errors or that is incomplete or unsigned
- If the IRS suspects identity theft or fraud
- If the IRS is challenging a credit you've claimed
- You still owe the IRS a previous year's return
- You're being audited for a prior tax year
- Your bank or credit union has not posted the refund
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Can I call the IRS about my refund?
According to the IRS, you should only call if it's been at least 21 days since you filed an electronic return or at least six weeks since you mailed a print return.
For questions about individual federal returns, call 800-829-1040, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (The wait time during tax season may be considerable.)
You can also make an appointment to get help at a local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. The agency does not accept tax-related questions by email.
Tax refund FAQs
Where is my tax refund?
You can get updates on the status of your income tax refund on the IRS2Go app or the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool.
How long does it take to get a tax refund?
Accorrding to the IRS, 90% of returns filed electronically and set up with direct deposit will result in a refund within 21 days of filing. If you sent your return by mail or filed an amended return, it could take four to eight weeks for your refund to be processed.
How long should I hold onto my tax returns?
The IRS recommends keeping copies of your tax returns for at least three years.
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