This article was updated for Tax Year 2023, last edited on December 18th, 2023.
If you are expecting a refund, you can track the progress of your refund online. When you e-file, it will typically take 24-48 hours for the IRS's Where's My Refund tool to update. You can then use the tool to track your federal refund.
There are three stages your federal refund goes through:
Return Received (Accepted)
Refund Approved
Refund Sent
Once your return is received, the IRS examines your tax return for mathematical problems and determines whether you owe back taxes, unpaid child support, or other debts. If the IRS determines that there are other debts, those funds could be subtracted from your anticipated refund amount.
It’s important to note that april does not have any control over how quickly the IRS or your state processes your tax refund. Once your return has been accepted, you’ll need to contact the IRS or the state for more information on your return’s progress.
When To Contact The IRS
It's been 21 days or more since you e-filed
It’s been over 6 months since you filed by mail
Where's My Refund can give you information for how to contact the IRS
For your state refund status, please reach out to your state directly for more information.
Additional Resources:
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