Where’s My Refund? How to track your 2026 tax return

Tax season may have just begun, but already many early bird filers are waiting for their refunds.

This year, the average tax refund is expected to increase by $1,000 more than usual due to several tax changes in President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. The IRS has been trying to implement those changes and is doing so with a much smaller staff than in years past.

According to National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins, that’s a possible delay this year.

“The success of the filing season will be defined by how well the IRS is able to help millions of taxpayers who are experiencing problems,” he said in his annual report to Congress.

Many Americans rely heavily on their tax refunds to survive, asking questions like “where’s my refund?” it is very urgent.

Fortunately, there are three ways to find out.

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How to track your tax return

Once you’ve mailed or mailed your return, you can check in with the IRS to get tax return updates. Here is the way.

1. Check your tax refund status on the IRS website

On the IRS website, you can use its refund tracking tool to check your refund status on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

To see your update, you’ll need to select the “Check your refund” button and follow the prompts, entering your Social Security number, tax filing status and exact refund amount. If you entered the information correctly and at least 24 hours have passed since you completed your refund form via email, you should see your refund status right away.

Introduced last year, the IRS provides more detailed updates about your return in “Where’s My Return?” page, including three important conditions:

• Returns accepted: The IRS has received your tax return and is processing it.
• Refunds are authorized: The IRS has approved your refund and will issue it by the date shown.
• A refund has been sent: The IRS sent your tax return by direct deposit or by mail, depending on your choice. Direct deposits can take up to five days to appear in your bank account, while mailed checks will likely take a few weeks.

For paper tax returns, your status should show four weeks after filing. And if you just filed your previous year’s tax returns by email, it should take about four days to show your return status.

Additionally, if you have set up an IRS account, you can access additional information by requesting your tax and account statements. Some people swear this is a hack to find out when you’ll get your tax refund – and, to be fair, your account transcript includes a history of any recent IRS action – but the IRS says Where’s My Refund? The tool is your best bet as it is updated daily, usually nightly.

2. Use the IRS2Go app to get refund updates

If it’s more convenient than using the website, you can also check your tax refund status using the IRS2Go app, available on the Amazon Appstore, Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

This free IRS app has more uses than checking your refund status, but if that’s all you need to do, select the refund tab and enter your personal information. Like the IRS website, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, filing status and refund amount. Then tap submit to see your refund status.

Also, you’ll want to make sure it’s been at least 24 hours since you filed your return by mail or four weeks since you mailed it.

Speaking of those additional features, you can use the IRS2Go app to pay your tax bill, review tax tips and get directions to local tax help.

3. Call the IRS directly

For general status updates on your tax return, the IRS recommends that you not call the agency unless asked to do so.

If there is a problem or delay with your refund, the IRS may ask you to call them through the Where’s My Refund tool. In some cases, the IRS may need more information to process your return before issuing a refund, so they will contact you by letter. Follow those instructions before you call the IRS help line on your own.

The IRS also operates an automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 if you are unable to use the website.

When calling the agency, keep this information handy:

• Social Security number
• Birthday
• Fill condition
• Last year’s tax return
• The tax return in question
• Any communication the IRS sends you

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How long will your tax refund take (probably).

Generally, the sooner you file your taxes, the sooner you will receive your tax refund. Choosing direct deposit as a way to get your money back can also speed up the process. The IRS ended paper audits in 2025, but you can choose to receive your refund through payment apps or prepaid debit cards, although this may extend the timeline.

Usually, the turnaround is very fast: The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days to e-filers. If you filed a paper tax return, the agency says it could take four weeks or more to receive your refund.

Remember that the IRS is prohibited by law from issuing refunds before mid-February to people who claim the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit. If you claimed one of those credits and filed it early in the tax season, it may take longer than the time frame above to get your refund.

Remember: Taxes are due by April 15 for most people this year. Filing sooner rather than later will help you find out what your repayments will be – or know what you owe – so you have more time to plan accordingly.