The 2026 tax filing season has begun , which means you can now submit your return for the 2025 tax year and start the clock on receiving any refund you’re due. The IRS expects more than 164 million tax returns to be filed by the April 15 federal deadline this year. The sooner you complete your return, the sooner you’ll get your money back (and the longer you’ll have to prepare to pay any balance owed). Luckily, the IRS makes it easy to check the status of your refund online . Here’s everything you need to know to track your 2025 federal tax refund.
Wait at least 24 hours after filing
The IRS needs time to process your tax return, so you’ll have to be patient before checking your refund status. If you e-filed, you can check as soon as 24 hours after the IRS received your tax return. For paper returns, you’ll need to wait at least four weeks before checking.
Have your information ready
To check your refund status, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount you’re expecting.
Use the IRS2Go App or IRS.gov website
The IRS offers a mobile app called IRS2Go and an online refund tracking tool . Both allow you to check the status of your federal tax refund. On the IRS2Go app, you’ll tap “Refund Status” and enter your information. On the IRS.gov refunds page, click “Check Your Refund .”
Note that the “Where’s My Refund?” tool is updated once daily, typically between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. ET, so you don’t need to keep refreshing throughout the day.
Understand the refund status meaning
The IRS provides a refund status that explains where your refund is in the process:
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Return Received: The return is being processed.
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Refund Approved: The refund has been approved and is in the queue for payment.
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Refund Sent: The refund payment has been sent.
Also check for a refund date if your refund was approved to get the expected deposit or mailing date.
Be patient for your refund
Most tax refunds are issued by the IRS within 21 days for returns that are e-filed (six weeks or more for paper returns). However, the IRS says refund times can vary depending on volume. Requesting your refund by direct deposit is faster than waiting for a paper check. For the 2026 filing season, most taxpayers will have to provide bank information for direct deposit, as the IRS began phasing out paper checks in September 2025.
If you’re eligible for a refund for the Earned Income Tax Credit and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit, you can expect to see that deposited to your account by March 2.
What if it’s been longer than 21 days?
Don’t file a second tax return. If it’s been more than 21 days since e-filing, the IRS recommends you call them. The “Where’s My Refund?” tracker will also prompt you to call the IRS if need be.
Unfortunately, calling the IRS isn’t always a breezy, reliable solution. Once you build the resolve to call the IRS, here’s our guide to increase your odds of getting to a real human on the other end of the line .
