Check if irs received my tax return

March 5, 2019

The best way to check the status your refund is through Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov. All you need is internet access and this information:

• Your Social Security numbers
• Your filing status
• Your exact whole dollar refund amount

You can start checking on the status of you return within 24 hours after the IRS received your e-filed return, or four weeks after mailing a paper return.

Generally, the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, but some may take longer.

On the go? Track your refund status using the free IRS2Go app. Those who file an amended return should check Where’s My Amended Return?

What information is available?

You can start checking on the status of your refund within

• 24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2021 return
• 3 or 4 days after e-filing a tax year 2019 or 2020 return
• If you filed on paper, it could take 6 months or more

Where’s My Refund? will give you a personalized refund date after we process your return and approve your refund.

The tracker displays progress through three stages:

1. Return Received
2. Refund Approved
3. Refund Sent

To use Where’s My Refund, you need to provide your Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your expected refund.

Prior Year Refund Information

Where’s My Refund? will display the refund status of the tax year you choose. If you need other return information, view your Online Account.

What if my refund was lost, stolen, or destroyed?

Generally, you can file an online claim for a replacement check if it's been more than 28 days from the date we mailed your refund. Where's My Refund? will give you detailed information about filing a claim if this situation applies to you.

For more information, check our Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.

What information is not available?

Amended Tax Returns

Refund information for Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return is not available on Where’s My Refund. Use Where’s My Amended Return? to get the status of your amended return.

Our phone and walk-in representatives can only research the status of your amended return 16 weeks or more after you’ve mailed it.

Business Tax Return Information

For refund information on federal tax returns other than Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, call, toll free, at 800-829-4933. From outside the U.S., call 267-941-1000. TTY/TDD: 800-829-4059. 

Browse the tax tools available for individual taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals. 

For Individual Taxpayers

Account

Your Online Account
View the amount you owe, make and track payments, and manage your communication preferences.

Get Transcript
Get a copy of your tax transcript online or by mail.

Filing

Free File
Prepare and file your federal income taxes online for free.

Authorized E-file Provider
Locate an authorized e-file provider in your area who can electronically file your tax return.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Locator
Get free tax help for the elderly, the disabled, people who speak limited English and taxpayers who generally earn less than $54,000.

Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers
Search for preparers in your area who hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS.

Where’s My Amended Return?
Track the status of your amended return.

Refunds and Payments

Where's My Refund?
Check the status of your refund online within 24 hours after we receive your e-filed return or 4 weeks after mailing your paper return.

Your Online Account
View the amount you owe, make and track payments, and manage your communication preferences.

Direct Pay
Make a guest payment (without registration) directly from your checking or savings account.

Online Payment Agreement
Find out if you’re eligible to make payment arrangements on the amount of tax you owe if you can’t afford to pay all of it at one time.

Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier
Find out if you’re eligible to apply for an Offer in Compromise, a settlement for less than the full amount of tax you owe.

Credits and Deductions

Earned Income Tax Credit Assistant
Find out if you’re eligible and estimate the amount of your Earned Income Tax Credit.

Tax Exempt Organization Search
Search for a charity or non-profit organization and find out if it’s eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

First Time Homebuyer Credit (FTHBC) Account Look-up
Check your First Time Homebuyer Credit account balance and payment history online.

Calculators

Tax Withholding Estimator
Estimate the amount of federal income tax your employer should withhold from your paycheck.

Sales Tax Calculator
Determine the amount of optional state and local sales tax you can claim on Schedule A of Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Taxpayer Assistance

Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator
Find a Taxpayer Assistance Center if your tax issue can’t be handled online or by phone.

For Businesses

Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Get your EIN online without calling us or mailing or faxing a paper Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Tax Calendar
Track important business tax dates and deadlines right from your desktop.

FATCA FFI List Search and Download Tool
Use the search and download tool to find out if a Foreign Financial Institution has registered with FATCA.

Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
Pay your federal taxes online or by phone with EFTPS, a free tax payment system.

For Tax Professionals

Tax Pro Account
Tax Pro Account lets you submit an authorization request to an individual taxpayer’s IRS online account.

Preparer Tax Identification Number
Request or renew a PTIN. It's mandatory for anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal income tax returns for compensation.

E-Services for Tax Professionals
Register as an approved IRS business partner and conduct business electronically with the IRS.

More Resources