When you'll get your refund and how to check it

Typical timing

• E-filed with direct deposit: most refunds arrive in less than 21 days.
• Paper return: allow 6 weeks or more from when the IRS receives it.
• If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the law requires the IRS to hold those refunds until mid-February; most arrive by early March if you filed early with direct deposit.
• If you don't have a bank account, ask about an account or prepaid card that accepts direct deposit.

How to check your refund status

The IRS's official Where's My Refund? tool shows which stage it's in: received, approved and sent. You'll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status and the exact refund amount you claimed.

Status shows up about 24 hours after you e-file, and about 4 weeks after you mail a paper return. You can also check it in the official IRS2Go app or your IRS online account.

Why it might take longer

• Errors or missing information on the return.
• Extra review for suspected identity theft or fraud.
• Claiming certain credits (such as the EITC or ACTC).
• Not giving an account for direct deposit — the IRS is phasing out paper checks and only sends them in limited cases, which take longer.

State refunds are separate

Your state refund is paid by your state's tax agency, with its own timing and its own status tool. You can find yours in the official directory of state tax agencies.