Where’s My Refund? A Guide to Checking Your Federal Tax Refund Status

If you’re eagerly waiting for your federal income tax refund, you’re not alone. In the 2023 fiscal year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimated that approximately 120.9 million taxpayers were eligible for refunds, collectively amounting to $461.2 billion.

That’s a substantial amount of money waiting to be returned to taxpayers. Curious about when you’ll get back what you overpaid? Let’s dive into the details.

How Long Does the IRS Take to Process a Tax Refund?

The IRS states that most refunds are processed within 21 days after receiving a tax return. However, several factors can affect this timeline.

• If you e-file and opt for direct deposit, your refund will likely be processed faster.
• Filing a paper return or claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) may lead to delays.

According to CPA Practice Advisor, an accurate e-filed return submitted by February 24, 2025, could result in a direct deposit refund by March 7, 2025. If you opt for a paper check, expect to receive it about a week later, around March 14, 2025.

IRS Tax Refund Processing Timeline

Filing Method	Date IRS Receives Return	Direct Deposit Refund Date	Paper Check Refund Date
E-File	February 24, 2025	March 7, 2025	March 14, 2025
Paper Filing	February 24, 2025	March 14, 2025	March 21, 2025

How to Check Your Tax Refund Status in 3 Easy Steps

Want to track your refund? Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Gather Necessary Information

Before checking your refund status, you’ll need:

• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)
• Exact refund amount from your tax return
• Tax year you are inquiring about

Step 2: Visit ‘Where’s My Refund?’ or Use the IRS2Go App

You can check your refund status through the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool or by downloading the IRS2Go mobile app. This feature becomes available 24 hours after e-filing or up to four weeks after submitting a paper return.

Step 3: Understand Your Tax Return Status

As you track your refund, you may see one of the following status updates:

• Return Received: The IRS has received your tax return and is processing it.
• Refund Approved: Your refund is approved and will be issued soon.
• Refund Sent: The IRS has sent your refund via direct deposit or paper check (allow up to five business days for bank processing).

If your refund requires additional review or an amended return, the IRS will provide specific instructions.

Why Is Your Tax Refund Delayed? 4 Common Reasons

If your tax refund is taking longer than expected, here are some possible reasons:

1. Errors or Incomplete Information on Your Tax Return

Mistakes or missing details may prompt the IRS to request an amended return, leading to delays. While this doesn’t always mean an audit, it does require additional review time.

2. Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)

The IRS is legally prohibited from issuing refunds involving these credits before mid-February. If you claim them, expect your refund by early March at the earliest.

3. Filing a Paper Return

Filing a paper return instead of e-filing can significantly slow down processing. Opting for a paper check instead of direct deposit will further delay your refund.

4. Identity Theft or Fraud Concerns

A delayed refund could indicate identity theft or tax fraud. If you suspect fraud, consult the IRS Identity Theft Guide for individual taxpayers to determine your next steps.

Waiting for your IRS tax refund can be nerve-wracking, but understanding the processing timeline and potential delays can help ease the anxiety.

To speed up the process, consider e-filing, opting for direct deposit, and ensuring your return is accurate and complete. If your refund is delayed, use the IRS tracking tools to stay informed.

With careful planning, you can receive your refund as quickly as possible and avoid unnecessary delays.

FAQs

How soon can I expect my tax refund in 2025?

Most refunds are processed within 21 days for e-filed returns and within six weeks for paper returns.

Can I check my tax refund status immediately after filing?

You can check your status 24 hours after e-filing or four weeks after submitting a paper return.

What should I do if my refund is delayed?

If your refund is delayed, check the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool and ensure you haven’t made any errors on your return.