IRS tax filing and refunds: How to file, deadline, direct link, and key details

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting 2024 tax returns on January 27, with the filing deadline set for April 15.

Where's My Refund

If you’ve already filed your taxes, your refund status will update within 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return. For prior-year returns, refunds typically process within three to four days after e-filing. Paper returns take longer, with refunds processing in approximately four weeks, according to the IRS.


You can check your refund status on the IRS website, which updates refund information once a day, overnight. To track your refund, you will need:

Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Your filing status
The exact refund amount from your tax return
Direct Link to Check Your Refund Status
Where’s My Refund?

How the IRS Refund Process Works

The Where’s My Refund? tool displays three refund stages:

Return Received – Your return has been received and is being processed.
Refund Approved – Your refund has been approved and is being prepared for issuance.
Refund Sent – Your refund has been sent to your bank (may take up to 5 days to appear) or mailed via check (which may take several weeks to arrive).

Before Filing a Second Tax Return

Filing a duplicate return won’t speed up your refund and may cause delays. You should resubmit electronically only if:

You are expecting a refund.
You filed a paper return more than six months ago.
Where’s My Refund? does not confirm receipt of your return.

When to Contact the IRS

Call the IRS only if the Where’s My Refund? tool instructs you to do so.

Why Your Refund Might Be Delayed

Your refund could be delayed if your return requires corrections or additional review. If the IRS needs more information, they will send you a letter.

Additionally, taxpayers with brokerage accounts earning dividends or capital gains may need to wait for necessary statements arriving in March before filing their returns.