How to Check Your IRS Refund Status
Three ways to see where your federal tax refund is, without waiting on hold.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Phone Number
| Phone | (800) 829-1040 |
| Hours | Mon-Fri, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM local time |
| Website | www.irs.gov |
USA Customer Care is an independent guide — not affiliated with Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Official website: www.irs.gov. Menus and numbers can change; always confirm on the official site.
Before You Begin
You do not need to speak to anyone to check a federal refund — the same status agents see is available online and on an automated line, 24/7. Check here first before you call.
What You’ll Need
Have these three details, which must match your return exactly:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Your filing status
- The exact whole-dollar refund amount from your return
Step-by-Step
You do not need to call a person to check a refund. Use any of these:
- Go to IRS.gov and open the "Where's My Refund?" tool.
- Or call the automated refund line at (800) 829-1954.
- Have your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount ready — all three must match your return.
- E-filed returns usually show a status within 24 hours; paper returns can take about four weeks to appear.
- Most refunds are issued within 21 days of e-filing. If it has been longer and the tool tells you to contact the IRS, call the individual line at (800) 829-1040.
Faster: Do It Online
The Where's My Refund? tool at IRS.gov updates once a day (usually overnight) and is the official source. The free IRS2Go mobile app shows the same status.
How to Check Your IRS Refund Status — FAQ
E-filed returns usually show a status within 24 hours; paper returns can take about four weeks to appear. Most refunds are issued within 21 days of e-filing.
That is normal for the first few weeks. Only call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 if it has been longer than 21 days since you e-filed, or if the tool specifically tells you to contact them.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Phone Numbers
| Individual Taxpayers | (800) 829-1040 Mon-Fri, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM local time |
| Business & Specialty Tax | (800) 829-4933 Mon-Fri, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM local time |
| Refund Hotline (automated) | (800) 829-1954 24/7 automated |
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