Your cart is currently empty!
Where’s my refund? How to track your tax refund using IRS website, app
Tax season has officially begun as of Monday and thanks to the launch of the IRS’s new, free Direct File service, more taxpayers than ever may be filing their own returns this year.
For the 2023 tax season, the IRS processed 163,515,000 returns, resulting in an average refund of $3,170, a slight increase from the previous season’s average of $3,145.
With inflation and skyrocketing prices hitting everything from grocery staples like eggs to other basics like gas, many Americans are hoping for an even larger refund this year. And, like the inclination to check on that pizza order minutes after you make it, it’s easy to find yourself champing at the bit to find out the status of your refund and when it may arrive.
Luckily, there’s a tool for that. The IRS service “Where’s my refund?” allows tax filers to check on and track the status of their refund, from the agency’s receipt of a return to the notice of it being sent.
Here’s what to know about using “Where’s my refund?”
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Tax season:When should I expect my IRS tax refund? Here’s how long it should take and how to track it
What is ‘Where’s my refund?’ and how does it work?
The “Where is my refund?” tool is an IRS tracking system for filers to get updates on the status of their tax refund. Those looking to keep an eye on their money can log in online or via the IRS2Go mobile app and check back daily to see when they can expect their funds.
Once you log in to the tool and your information starts updating, it will do so once a day overnight. You will then see one of three potential statutes for your refund:
- Return Received – The IRS received your return and is processing it.
- Refund Approved – The IRS approved your refund and is preparing to issue it by a date that will be displayed on-screen.
- Refund Sent – The IRS sent the refund to your bank or to you in the mail. It may take 5 days for it to show in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.
How to sign up for ‘Where’s my refund?’
To get started with the “Where’s my refund?” tool, first navigate to www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund or download the IRS2GoApp in English or Spanish on the Google Play, Apple App or Amazon app stores.
To sign in and check your status, you’ll need some specific information, including:
- Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
- Your filing status (single, married, joint, etc.)
- The exact dollar refund amount on your 2024 return
Users should note that their refund information will only appear after a certain amount of time depending on how they filed. Your refund status will be updated:
- 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return
- 3 or 4 days after you e-file a prior-year return
- 4 weeks after you file a paper return
There is also a separate tool for those looking to check on their amended refunds, located at www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return.
![The IRS has launched a new "Where is my refund" tool for tracking the status your tax refund.](https://i0.wp.com/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/01/31/USAT/78087037007-getty-images-92125643.jpg?ssl=1)
Important tax season deadlines to know
Tax season officially started on Jan. 27, meaning the IRS began accepting filings on Monday. Most people have until the middle of April to submit their taxes, which seems like plenty of time until it sneaks up on you like deadlines often do.
The IRS also launched its new Direct File service for the 2024-2025 season. Taxpayers in 25 states are now eligible to use the free service if they made no more than $200,000 in 2024 for a single filer, $250,000 for married couples filing jointly and $125,000 for married couples filing separately.
Some important dates to keep in mind this tax filing season:
- Jan. 31: Deadline for employers to send W-2 forms. This is also the deadline to send certain 1099 tax documents, like 1099-NEC documents for self-employed side income.
- Feb. 18: Deadline to reclaim your exemption from withholding. If you claim exemptions on your income taxes, you must submit a new W-4 to your employer by this date to continue being exempt.
- April 15: Tax Day filing deadline for federal and most state tax returns. This is also the deadline to request an extension or to make HSA and IRA contributions in tax year 2024.
For e-filers, tax refunds usually come within about 21 days of filing. It can take six to eight weeks after the IRS receives your return to receive a refund if you get it via mail.
Are you still waiting for your tax refund to arrive? Don’t worry, you can easily track it using the IRS website or app. Here’s how:
1. Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and click on the “Refunds” tab. From there, you can select “Where’s My Refund?” and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund.
2. If you prefer to track your refund on the go, you can download the IRS2Go app on your smartphone. Simply input the same information as mentioned above and you’ll be able to see the status of your refund in real-time.
3. Keep in mind that it may take some time for your refund to be processed, especially during peak tax season. The IRS updates their refund status once a day, so be sure to check back regularly for any updates.
So, if you’re wondering “Where’s my refund?” make sure to use these resources to track your tax refund and get peace of mind knowing when it will be deposited into your bank account.
Tags:
- IRS tax refund tracking
- IRS refund status
- How to track tax refund
- IRS refund website
- Tax refund app
- Track IRS refund online
- Check tax refund status
- IRS refund tracker
- Track federal tax refund
- Get tax refund updates
#Wheres #refund #track #tax #refund #IRS #website #app
Leave a Reply