The IRS2Go mobile app and the Where’s My Refund? features are the fastest ways to track and find out about the status of your 2024 federal return, assuming it has been approved by the IRS.
Where’s My Refund
The fastest way to find out the status of your federal tax return is to use the IRS Where’s My Refund? hitchhiker Once a day, usually overnight, the agency updates the tracker. You can start tracking the status of your tax refund 24 hours after you file your return electronically, or four to six months after you mail your paper return.
The amount of your return, the status of your filing, and your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) are three pieces of information needed to check the status of your refund.
If your return is in process, the tracker will show Return Received, Refund Approved, or Refund Submitted. The tracker may request additional information from you or contact the IRS if there is a delay or problem with your return.
How do I check my tax return status?
After e-filing, tax returns are normally accepted by the IRS in 24 to 48 hours. You can track your refund once the agency accepts it, but be aware that refund processing and delivery may take up to three weeks following acceptance.
- Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
- Access it on the IRS website or the IRS2Go app.
- Enter Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount.
- Receive real-time updates on processing stages.
How long does it take to receive a refund?
Some tax returns require further examination. To make sure returns are accurate and comprehensive, we examine them. To keep you safe from fraud and identity theft, we also examine returns. It might require more time to process.
- Most e-file returns: Up to two weeks
- Other returns: Up to 16 weeks
The team will issue you a letter outlining any discrepancies between the amount on your tax return and the amount of the refund you got. Contact us once you’ve viewed the letter on Revenue Online or waited for the letter.
When will I get my 2024 tax refund?
Although the IRS does not maintain a formal tax refund calendar or schedule, it does offer some general information regarding possible refund timing.
According to the IRS, taxpayers who electronically file their 2023 tax returns without errors should receive their refunds within 21 days. Refunds for mailed paper returns may take longer to process and may take up to six months.
Why haven’t I received my tax refund?
Your federal return may not arrive as soon as expected for several reasons. The most common offenders include filing a return with an error, such as the wrong social security number or incorrect direct deposit information. If your return requires further investigation or is incomplete, the IRS may delay your refund.
The IRS is technically prohibited from issuing your tax return before mid-February if you filed early and claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. The IRS projects that you could get your refund by February 27, 2024 if you choose direct deposit as your refund method and your refund is error-free.
If you’re still waiting for your refund You can try calling the main IRS hotline for more information if there have been no updates to your IRS online account or “Where’s My Refund?” tracker six weeks after you mailed your return or 21 days after e-filing.
How to get a tax refund sooner
These four items will help you manage your “Where’s my refund?”
Avoid filing your tax return on paper
Avoid paper to avoid weeks of “Where’s my refund?” Electronic returns take three weeks. State tax authorities accept electronic tax returns, so you can get your refund faster.
Get direct deposit
When you file your return, tell the IRS to deposit the money into your bank account instead of sending you a check. This saves time waiting in the mail and checking the status of your IRS refund. The IRS can split your refund between retirement, health, college, and other accounts.
Stay on top of things
If you file with tax software or a professional, you can track your IRS refund 24 hours after it’s received. Visit your local IRS office or call the main number if you haven’t received your tax refund after 21 days from filing online or six months from sending your paper return.
The IRS says these measures won’t speed up your refund, but they can help you figure out what’s holding up your refund.