Track your federal refund
The IRS maintains the only authoritative federal refund status tool. We link you straight to it — AEM cannot look up or speed up a refund on your behalf.
Official IRS tool
Where's My Refund?
Status is updated once every 24 hours, usually overnight. Checking more often will not change the result.
Check refund status on IRS.govOpens irs.gov in a new tab
What you need before you check
01
Social Security number or ITIN
Enter it exactly as it appears on the return you filed.
02
Filing status
Single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying surviving spouse.
03
Exact refund amount
The whole-dollar amount shown on your return — not an estimate.
The three statuses you will see
01
Return Received
The IRS has your return and it is in processing. Nothing is required from you at this stage.
02
Refund Approved
Processing is finished and the refund amount is confirmed. A send date is issued at this point.
03
Refund Sent
Funds are on the way. Direct deposit usually posts within a few business days; a paper check takes longer to arrive.
How long refunds usually take
- E-filed with direct deposit
- The IRS issues most refunds in under 21 days when the return is complete and accurate.
- Paper-filed returns
- Expect roughly four weeks or more before status information appears, and longer for the refund itself.
- Amended returns
- Use the separate amended-return tool. Processing commonly takes several months.
- Refundable credits
- Returns claiming certain credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, are held longer by law early in the filing season.
Timeframes are the IRS's own general guidance and are not a guarantee. Individual returns can take longer if they require additional review.
Other official IRS resources
Where's My Amended Return?Status for Form 1040-X filings.IRS Online AccountBalances, payment history, notices, and transcripts in one place.IRS2Go mobile appThe IRS's official app for refund status and payments.The IRS will never call, text, or email you to demand payment or ask for card details to release a refund. Start at irs.gov and ignore anything that arrives unsolicited.
Looking for other official resources? Our directory of official tax tools covers IRS withholding, eligibility, account, and payment resources.
Refund stuck, reduced, or offset?
If the IRS adjusted your refund or sent a notice, we can read it, explain it, and respond on your behalf.
Refund timing and status are controlled entirely by the IRS. AEM Accounting Solutions is not affiliated with the IRS and cannot access or expedite your refund.