Where's My Refund?
[Reviewed 2/6/2024]
your federal (IRS) tax refund
If you have already read the federal refund information below, you can find additional information at these links.
IRS Operations Status including general information about refunds
Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions
Other Questions about "Where's My Refund"
How long will it take to receive my refund?
Most returns filed electronically and choosing direct deposit are refunded in less than 21 days.
If you mailed a paper copy it can take four to eight weeks. If you mailed it close to the due date (or later) it can take extra time.
If you request a refund of tax withheld on a Form 1042-S, it can take additional time (up to six months) to process the refund.
To get a refund, you generally must file your return within 3 years from the date the return was due (including extensions).
For more information, see What to Expect for Refunds This Year and Tax Topic 152: Refund Information.
How long should I wait to research the status of my refund?
If you filed electronically, you should be able to see the status of your return within 24 hours after the IRS has acknowledged the receipt.
If you mailed a paper copy, you should wait four weeks before checking the status.
How do I research the status of my refund?
You can use "Where's My Refund?" for information and instructions for finding out about your federal (IRS) refund.
You can also download IRS2Go, the official mobile app of the IRS
You will need to provide the following information from your return:
Your Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number);
Filing status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er))
The exact whole dollar amount of your refund
If you are getting a refund, you will see a status bar that shows "return received > refund approved > refund sent"
If the refund has been sent, it will show the date and how it was sent (direct deposit or USPS).
If you have not received the refund that was sent there will be suggestions for what you should do.
Updates to refund status are made once a day—usually at night.
Can I talk to someone regarding the status of my refund?
IRS phone (1-800-829-4477) and walk-in representatives can only research the status of a refund if it has been:
21 days or more since it was filed electronically (or since the IRS filing season start date – whichever is later),
Six weeks or more if you filed a paper return via USPS.
or when "Where's My Refund?" tells the taxpayer to contact the IRS.
Should I send another copy of my return?
Do not send in a copy of your return unless asked to do so after talking with an IRS representative regarding the status of your return.
See additional information at irs.gov.
Reasons why some tax refunds filed electronically take longer than 21 days
Your Oregon (Department of Revenue) tax refund
The Oregon Department of Revenue has a similar web page to find out about your Oregon Tax Refund.
On that page you will find a link: "Where's My Refund?" Click on that and follow the directions on that page. You may be require to create an account with ODR.
You will need to provide the following information from your return:
Your Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number);
Filing status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er))
The exact whole dollar amount of your refund entered on the tax form.