Waiting for Your Tax Refund? Here’s How to Track and Fix Delays!

We want to be transparent with you! Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. But don’t worry, our opinions are always our own! For a full rundown, check out our advertiser disclosure. Plus, we’re committed to providing you with unbiased product reviews—check out how we evaluate tax products to see how we ensure quality information.

• File electronically? Expect your federal tax refund in about three weeks.
• Going old school with a paper return? Be prepared to wait at least four weeks after it’s received.
• Curious about your refund status? Head over to the IRS website to check it out!

Got a refund coming from the IRS? You’re probably anxious to see that cash in your hands! The fastest and safest way to get your refund is by electronically filing your return and choosing direct deposit. Just keep in mind there are some factors that may cause delays beyond your control.

Here’s your essential guide to tracking your tax refund.

How to track your tax refund

The IRS has a handy tool for filers to check their refund status. You can find it here, or simply search for “Where’s My Tax Refund?”

Once you’ve filed electronically and received confirmation of acceptance, you can check the tool after 48 hours. For paper returns, wait four weeks post-mailing. Updates are made daily!

To get your refund status, you’ll need to provide:

• Your Social Security number
• Your filing status
• The exact refund amount

All this info can be found on the tax return you filed for the year.

Quick Reminder: If you pay state income taxes, you might be expecting a separate refund. Remember, state tax refunds are processed separately from federal refunds, so check your state’s tax department website for details.

Common reasons for refund delays

If your return is flagged for additional review, it might take longer than usual to snag your refund. Here are some common culprits:

• Missing information
• Errors on your return
• Identity theft concerns
• A return including Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which can take up to 14 weeks to process
• If you’re claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit (refunds for these can’t be issued until late February)
• Filing with an Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN)

How long does it usually take?

According to the IRS, around 90% of refunds are processed within 21 days of e-filing. Keep in mind, paper returns take significantly longer—typically four weeks or more. If you e-file and give the IRS your bank details for direct deposit, expect to see your refund sooner!

Next steps if your refund is delayed

Once your tax return is accepted, it enters a processing queue.

“Think of the IRS as a colossal database; processing your return is just a series of checks against existing data,” explains a personal finance expert. “During this time, the IRS verifies all the information you submitted, like W-2 income and child tax credits, against its records. If everything aligns, your return is approved, and payment or refund gets processed.”

When to contact the IRS

If it’s been more than three weeks since you e-filed or four weeks since mailing your return and you still can’t see your refund status in the IRS tracker, it might be time to reach out. You can call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954.

Waiting on a refund from an amended return? You’ll want to dial 866-464-2050.

FAQs on Tracking Your Tax Refund