If you’ve already filed your taxes and are waiting for your refund, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of Americans use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool to track their refund status. This simple online system helps you know exactly where your money is, whether it’s been approved, processed, or already sent.
In 2025, the IRS has processed 13 million tax returns by January 31 and issued over 3 million refunds. So, how can you check your refund, what causes delays, and is the refund bigger this year than last? Let’s break it all down in simple terms.
What Is “Where’s My Refund?” and How Does It Work?
The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool is an online service at IRS.gov/refunds. It allows you to check the status of your federal tax refund. To use it, you’ll need three pieces of information:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly)
- Your exact refund amount
The IRS updates the information once a day, usually overnight. So, checking more than once daily won’t show anything new.
The Three Stages of a Tax Refund
Once you enter your details, the system will show you one of these three phases:
- Return Received – Your tax return has been received and is being processed.
- Refund Approved – Your refund has been approved and is about to be sent.
- Refund Sent – Your money has been sent, either as a direct deposit or by mail.
If you chose direct deposit, the refund usually arrives on the date shown in the system. If you filed your taxes electronically, you can check the status within 24 hours. But if you sent a paper return, it could take up to 4 weeks to appear in the system.
Common Reasons for Refund Delays
Most refunds are processed within 21 days if the return is filed online. But there are several reasons your refund could be delayed:
- Math errors or missing information
- Identity verification issues
- Claiming certain tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
If you claimed EITC or ACTC, your refund can’t be issued before mid-February, due to a legal hold. In 2025, the IRS began issuing these refunds on March 3.
Other Causes of Delay
Sometimes, the IRS adjusts your refund amount if you have:
- Tax debts
- Errors in credit claims
- Unpaid government obligations
If this happens, the final refund amount may be lower, and the IRS will notify you either online or by mail.
If it’s been more than 21 days (e-file) or 6 weeks (paper file) and there’s still no update, you should call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for support.
Using IRS2Go App for Refund Tracking
Apart from the online tool, you can also use the IRS2Go mobile app. It allows you to:
- Track your refund on your phone
- Access free tax support
- Get payment options
- Manage split deposits into multiple bank accounts
Remember, if you split your refund across up to three accounts, check each one separately.
Are Refunds Bigger in 2025 Than Last Year?
Yes, they are! According to IRS data as of April 4, 2025, the average tax refund is $3,116, which is about 3.5% more than the $3,011 average in 2024.
For those who opted for direct deposit, the average refund is even higher—$3,186 in 2025, compared to $3,088 last year.
State Refunds Follow Different Rules
Your state tax refund works differently. Every state has its own refund system. Some have online tracking tools, while others require a phone call. For accurate updates, visit your state’s tax department website or check USAGov, which has updated guidance as of March 19, 2025.
How Long Should You Keep Your Tax Documents?
The IRS advises keeping tax-related documents for 3 to 7 years, depending on the situation. If there’s an audit, having your documents ready will help solve any issues quickly.