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Where’s My Refund? Track Your Tax Return in 2026
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Learn about which tools can help you track your federal and state refunds, typical processing times, and common reasons your refund might get delayed.
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Content Management Specialist
2 years of experience Expertise Personal income taxes Investing basics Investment fundsBella Avila is a content management specialist on the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editing intern at NerdWallet through the Dow Jones News Fund internship program. Bella graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Bella Avila is a content management specialist on the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editing intern at NerdWallet through the Dow Jones News Fund internship program. Bella graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Content Management Specialist + more + more
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19 years of experience Expertise Retirement planning investment management investment accountsArielle O’Shea leads the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. She has covered personal finance and investing for nearly 20 years, and was a senior writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet before becoming an editor. Previously, she was a researcher and reporter for leading personal finance journalist and author Jean Chatzky, a role that included developing financial education programs, interviewing subject matter experts and helping to produce television and radio segments. Arielle has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Arielle O’Shea leads the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. She has covered personal finance and investing for nearly 20 years, and was a senior writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet before becoming an editor. Previously, she was a researcher and reporter for leading personal finance journalist and author Jean Chatzky, a role that included developing financial education programs, interviewing subject matter experts and helping to produce television and radio segments. Arielle has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Published in Head of Content, Investing & Taxes + more + more
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Expertise Taxes InvestingSabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.
Sabrina Parys is an editor and content strategist on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + moreThe days can seem to drag on when you're waiting for your tax refund to arrive, and watching the clock doesn't necessarily help. However, it's understandable to want to stay on top of your tax return's status, and there are several ways to do so.
The days can seem to drag on when you're waiting for your tax refund to arrive, and watching the clock doesn't necessarily help. However, it's understandable to want to stay on top of your tax return's status, and there are several ways to do so.A good place to start is the IRS' "Where's My Refund?" page. You can track your refund there using some basic information.
A good place to start is the IRS' "Where's My Refund?" page. You can track your refund there using some basic information.How do I check the status of my tax return?
How do I check the status of my tax return?You can begin tracking your return once the IRS accepts it. For e-filed returns, this usually happens within 24 hours; for paper returns, it can take about four weeks
You can begin tracking your return once the IRS accepts it. For e-filed returns, this usually happens within 24 hours; for paper returns, it can take about four weeks Internal Revenue Service. Refunds. Accessed Jan 22, 2026. . If you filed using tax software, you’ll typically receive confirmation emails from both the IRS and the software provider once your return is accepted.
Heads-up! The IRS is phasing out checks. We’ve long recommended having your refund deposited into a bank account when possible — it’s faster, safer and more efficient than a paper check. This tax season, there’s even more reason to do so: As the IRS phases out the use of paper checks, filers who don’t choose direct deposit may face delays or receive their refund on a prepaid debit card or via another payment method
Heads-up! The IRS is phasing out checks. Heads-up! The IRS is phasing out checks IRS is phasing out checks . We’ve long recommended having your refund deposited into a bank account when possible — it’s faster, safer and more efficient than a paper check. This tax season, there’s even more reason to do so: As the IRS phases out the use of paper checks, filers who don’t choose direct deposit may face delays or receive their refund on a prepaid debit card or via another payment method Internal Revenue Service. IRS To Phase Out Paper Tax Refund Checks Starting With Individual Taxpayers. .How long does it take to get an IRS refund?
How long does it take to get an IRS refund?The IRS does not have an official tax refund calendar or schedule, but it does provide basic guidelines for when you might expect your refund. Taxpayers who e-file an error-free tax return can expect their refund within 21 days (3 weeks). Paper returns submitted by mail may require additional processing time, potentially delaying refunds by six or more weeks.
The IRS does not have an official tax refund calendar or schedule, but it does provide basic guidelines for when you might expect your refund. Taxpayers who e-file an error-free tax return can expect their refund within 21 days (3 weeks). Paper returns submitted by mail may require additional processing time, potentially delaying refunds by six or more weeks.Estimated refund time:
Estimated refund time: Estimated refund time:E-filed returns: three weeks.
E-filed returns: three weeks.Paper returns: six weeks or more.
Paper returns: six weeks or more.How to track your IRS refund
How to track your IRS refundThe IRS "Where's My Refund?" tracker is the fastest way to check your federal tax refund status. The agency updates the tracker once per day, usually overnight. You can start checking your tax refund status 24 hours after e-filing your return and four weeks after mailing a paper return.
The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tracker is the fastest way to check your federal tax refund status. The agency updates the tracker once per day, usually overnight. You can start checking your tax refund status 24 hours after e-filing your return and four weeks after mailing a paper return.Step 1: Prepare your Social Security number (or individual taxpayer identification number), filing status and the amount of money due back to you as a refund. If you filed with tax software, log in to your account to check on your expected refund amount.
Step 1: Step 1: Prepare your Social Security number (or individual taxpayer identification number ), filing status and the amount of money due back to you as a refund. If you filed with tax software, log in to your account to check on your expected refund amount.Step 2: Enter your information. The tracker will then display where your return is in the process: return acceptance, refund approval, or refund sent. If there is a delay or an issue with your return, the tracker may ask you to provide more information or contact the IRS.
Step 2: Step 2: Enter your information. The tracker will then display where your return is in the process: return acceptance, refund approval, or refund sent. If there is a delay or an issue with your return, the tracker may ask you to provide more information or contact the IRS.Ready to check your refund? Click on the button below to go to the IRS' refund tracker for federal tax refunds. You can also check the status of your refund on your smartphone by downloading the IRS' mobile app, IRS2Go, or by calling the agency's automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. If you need to check the status of your amended return, there's a different tracker for that.
Ready to check your refund? Ready to check your refund? Click on the button below to go to the IRS' refund tracker for federal tax refunds. You can also check the status of your refund on your smartphone by downloading the IRS' mobile app, IRS2Go , or by calling the agency's automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 . If you need to check the status of your amended return, there's a different tracker for that. Track my IRS refund status Track my IRS refund statusWhere's my state tax refund?
Where's my state tax refund?If you're wondering where your state tax refund is, you'll be relieved to know that most states have their own refund trackers. Find your state in the list below to go right to its tax refund tracker.
If you're wondering where your state tax refund is, you'll be relieved to know that most states have their own refund trackers. Find your state in the list below to go right to its tax refund tracker.Why haven't I received my tax refund?
Why haven't I received my tax refund?There are a few reasons why your federal refund may be delayed. One of the most common culprits is submitting a return that contains an error, such as the wrong Social Security number or incorrect direct deposit information. The IRS could also be holding up your refund if it requires additional review or is incomplete.
There are a few reasons why your federal refund may be delayed. One of the most common culprits is submitting a return that contains an error, such as the wrong Social Security number or incorrect direct deposit information. The IRS could also be holding up your refund if it requires additional review or is incomplete.If you claimed the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit, the IRS can not legally issue your tax refund before mid-February.
If you claimed the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit , the IRS can not legally issue your tax refund before mid-February.If you find yourself still waiting on your refund three weeks after e-filing or six weeks after mailing your return with no updates made to either the “Where's My Refund?” tracker or your online IRS account, you can try to call the agency's main hotline for more information
If you find yourself still waiting on your refund three weeks after e-filing or six weeks after mailing your return with no updates made to either the “Where's My Refund?” tracker or your online IRS account, you can try to call the agency's main hotline for more information Internal Revenue Service. Let Us Help You. Accessed Jan 22, 2026. .Need more help?
Need more help? Need more help?IRS customer service phone numbers
IRS customer service phone numbersHow to find an IRS office near you
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How to get you refund money sooner
How to get you refund money soonerHere are four things that can help keep your refund worries under control.
Here are four things that can help keep your refund worries under control.1. Avoid filing your tax return on paper
1. Avoid filing your tax return on paperYou can save yourself from weeks of wondering where your refund is by avoiding paper. If you file electronically, those returns are processed in about three weeks. State tax authorities also accept electronic tax returns, which means you may be able to get your state tax refund sooner, too.
You can save yourself from weeks of wondering where your refund is by avoiding paper. If you file electronically, those returns are processed in about three weeks. State tax authorities also accept electronic tax returns, which means you may be able to get your state tax refund sooner, too.2. Get direct deposit
2. Get direct depositAs mentioned earlier, the IRS is phasing out paper checks, starting with this tax season. Getting direct deposit set up as soon as possible will help cut the time spent waiting for your refund to arrive as a prepaid debit card or another option. With direct deposit, you can even have the IRS split your refund across your retirement, health savings, college savings or other accounts.
As mentioned earlier, the IRS is phasing out paper checks, starting with this tax season. Getting direct deposit set up as soon as possible will help cut the time spent waiting for your refund to arrive as a prepaid debit card or another option. With direct deposit, you can even have the IRS split your refund across your retirement, health savings, college savings or other accounts.3. Stay on top of things
3. Stay on top of thingsIf you file using tax software or a tax pro, you can start tracking your IRS refund status 24 hours after the IRS receives your return. If you haven't received your tax refund after at least three weeks of filing online or six weeks of mailing your paper return, remember that you can go to a local IRS office or call the agency's main number.
If you file using tax software or a tax pro, you can start tracking your IRS refund status 24 hours after the IRS receives your return. If you haven't received your tax refund after at least three weeks of filing online or six weeks of mailing your paper return, remember that you can go to a local IRS office or call the agency's main number.Taking these steps won’t fast-track your refund, according to the agency, but you may be able to get more information about what's holding up your refund or return. Also keep in mind that a delay could be related to an error the IRS is correcting on your return.
Taking these steps won’t fast-track your refund, according to the agency, but you may be able to get more information about what's holding up your refund or return. Also keep in mind that a delay could be related to an error the IRS is correcting on your return.4. One more thing to know about your tax refund
4. One more thing to know about your tax refundIt's actually something you might want to avoid. It may seem great to get a big check from the government, but a tax refund tells you that you've been overpaying your taxes and living on less of your paycheck throughout the year.
It's actually something you might want to avoid. It may seem great to get a big check from the government, but a tax refund tells you that you've been overpaying your taxes and living on less of your paycheck throughout the year.For example, if you got a $3,000 tax refund, you've been giving up $250 per month all year. Could having an extra $250 every month have helped with the bills? If you want to get that money now rather than later, you can adjust your withholding by giving your employer a new IRS Form W-4.
For example, if you got a $3,000 tax refund, you've been giving up $250 per month all year. Could having an extra $250 every month have helped with the bills? If you want to get that money now rather than later, you can adjust your withholding by giving your employer a new IRS Form W-4 . Frequently asked questionsIf you're due a refund, don't file an amended return until you receive the refund per the IRS. If you're not due a refund and need to correct a mistake, you can file an amended tax return using IRS Form 1040-X.
If you're due a refund, don't file an amended return until you receive the refund per the IRS. If you're not due a refund and need to correct a mistake, you can file an amended tax return using IRS Form 1040-X.» MORE: How to amend your tax return
» MORE: » MORE: How to amend your tax returnYes. Simply provide your direct deposit account information on your Form 1040 when you file. If you file IRS Form 8888 with your tax return, you can even tell the IRS to split the money up and deposit it into as many as three different accounts.
Yes. Simply provide your direct deposit account information on your Form 1040 when you file. If you file IRS Form 8888 with your tax return, you can even tell the IRS to split the money up and deposit it into as many as three different accounts.If you're behind on your taxes, the IRS will withhold what you owe from your federal tax refund. You'll get a letter from the IRS explaining what it adjusted.
If you're behind on your taxes , the IRS will withhold what you owe from your federal tax refund. You'll get a letter from the IRS explaining what it adjusted.One way is to qualify for more tax deductions and tax credits. They can be huge money-savers if you know what they are, how they work and how to pursue them.
One way is to qualify for more tax deductions and tax credits. They can be huge money-savers if you know what they are, how they work and how to pursue them.» MORE: Popular tax deductions and tax breaks
» MORE: » MORE: Popular tax deductions and tax breaksIf you're due a refund, don't file an amended return until you receive the refund per the IRS. If you're not due a refund and need to correct a mistake, you can file an amended tax return using IRS Form 1040-X.
» MORE:
How to amend your tax return
Yes. Simply provide your direct deposit account information on your Form 1040 when you file. If you file IRS Form 8888 with your tax return, you can even tell the IRS to split the money up and deposit it into as many as three different accounts.
If you're
behind on your taxes
, the IRS will withhold what you owe from your federal tax refund. You'll get a letter from the IRS explaining what it adjusted.
One way is to qualify for more tax deductions and tax credits. They can be huge money-savers if you know what they are, how they work and how to pursue them.
» MORE:
Popular tax deductions and tax breaks
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How do I check the status of my tax return? How do I check the status of my tax return? How long does it take to get an IRS refund? How long does it take to get an IRS refund? How to track your IRS refund How to track your IRS refund Where's my state tax refund? Where's my state tax refund? Why haven't I received my tax refund? Why haven't I received my tax refund? How to get you refund money sooner How to get you refund money soonerON THIS PAGE
How do I check the status of my tax return? How do I check the status of my tax return? How long does it take to get an IRS refund? How long does it take to get an IRS refund? How to track your IRS refund How to track your IRS refund Where's my state tax refund? Where's my state tax refund? Why haven't I received my tax refund? Why haven't I received my tax refund? How to get you refund money sooner How to get you refund money sooner More like this Taxes Taxes on Stocks: What You Have to Pay & How to Pay Less Learn how dividends and capital gains on stock sales can affect your tax bill, and how you can reduce what you pay. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem Taxes on Mutual Funds: How to Calculate, Strategies to Save You may owe tax on mutual funds, even if you haven’t sold your shares. Here's an overview of how taxes on mutual funds work, plus strategies to minimize what you owe. 2 By Tina Orem, Bella Avila How Are Dividends Taxed? 2025-2026 Qualified and Nonqualified Dividend Tax Rates How and when you own an investment that pays dividends can dramatically change the tax rate you pay. Tina Orem Get started Get startedon Anthem Tax Services's website
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