To check your federal tax refund status, the fastest and easiest methods are typically online through IRS tools. You also have the option to contact the IRS directly.
Checking Your Federal Tax Refund Status Online
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides two primary online resources to help you track the status of your federal tax refund. These systems are updated once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more often.
Using the "Where's My Refund?" Tool
The IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool is the most direct way to check your refund status online. It's available on the official IRS website and provides real-time updates on the processing of your return and refund. This tool is designed to be user-friendly and give you immediate insight into where your refund stands in the process.
Using the IRS2Go Mobile App
For convenience on the go, the IRS2Go mobile app offers a similar functionality to the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You can download this official app to your smartphone or tablet and check your refund status from anywhere. It provides the same up-to-date information as the online tool.
| Method | Description | Key Benefit | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Where's My Refund | Online tool available on the IRS website. | The fastest and easiest way to track your federal refund. | Once every 24 hours |
| IRS2Go Mobile App | Official IRS mobile application for smartphones and tablets. | Provides convenient access to your refund status on the go. | Once every 24 hours |
Information You'll Need
When using either the "Where's My Refund?" tool or the IRS2Go app, you will need to provide some key information to access your refund status:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household)
- The exact whole dollar amount of the refund you are expecting
Contacting the IRS Directly
While online tools are recommended for speed and convenience, you can also contact the IRS directly to inquire about your refund status. This method may involve longer wait times compared to the online options. It is generally advised to use the online tools first, especially since they are updated daily.
For more detailed information on checking your federal or state tax refund status, you can visit the official USAGov website: Check your federal or state tax refund status.
