The IRS recently rolled out a new and improved Where’s My Refund tool. This updated tool allows taxpayers to check the status of their refunds for the 2021, 2020, and 2019 tax years.
To use the tool, taxpayers will need their Social Security number or ITIN, filing status and expected refund amount from their original tax return for the year they’re checking.
About the Where’s My Refund tool
Available on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app, Where’s My Refund allows taxpayers to track their refund through three stages:
- Return received.
- Refund approved.
- Refund sent.
Using this tool, taxpayers can start checking the status of their refund within:
- 24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2021 return.
- Three or four days after e-filing a tax year 2019 or 2020 return.
- Four weeks after mailing a return.
Eligible people who haven’t filed a 2021 tax return yet, including those who requested an extension to file, can use IRS Free File to prepare and file their federal tax return for free. Filing electronically is fast, accurate and secure. When an individual chooses direct deposit their refund goes directly from the IRS into their bank or financial account getting them their refund in the fastest time possible. When the IRS accepts the electronically filed return, taxpayers can track their refund with the Where’s My Refund tool.
Additional refund status information
The Where’s My Refund tool should be the first place people go for more information about checking the status of a tax refund. There’s no need to call the IRS to check on refund status unless it’s been more than 21 days since they filed the return, or the tool says the IRS can provide more information.
Where taxpayers can find other information about their account
Taxpayers can log in to their Online Account to find their prior year adjusted gross income, balance due and other account information. They can also see their payment history, or other tax records.