Waiting for your tax refund? When it could come, and how to track it
Share and Follow


(NEXSTAR) — While tax season can feel daunting, the paperwork can be worth it if you’re getting a refund. Waiting for your refund, however, can feel taxing.

The tax filing season officially began on Jan. 27. Shortly after the season opened, the IRS said it had received “millions of tax returns from across the nation for processing.” 

More than 140 million tax returns are expected to be filed before the federal deadline on Tax Day — this year, it’s April 15. (You may have additional time to file federal taxes if you live in a federally declared disaster area.)

When you file can impact when you receive your refund, the IRS explains.

Generally, most refunds will be issued in 21 days or less. Paper returns can take longer, though.

The IRS warns against expecting your refund to come within three weeks of filing your taxes. 

“Some returns may require additional review and may take longer,” the agency said.

You can track your refund’s status on the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? tool and via the IRS2GO app.

If you file electronically this season, your refund status will be available within 24 hours. If you’re filing a paper return, it will take four weeks for your status to appear on the Where’s My Refund? tool. If you’re electronically filing a previous year’s tax return, it will take three or four days for refund status information to become available. 

To track down your refund, you’ll need your Social Security or taxpayer ID number, your filing status, and the exact refund amount you’re expecting.

The “Where’s My Refund?” tool will only track your federal refund. You’ll need to check with your state’s Department of Revenue to determine if there is a way to track your state refund.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

St. Joseph’s/Candler Implements Visitor Restrictions Across All Facilities Amid Flu Season

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — In response to the flu season, St. Joseph’s/Candler…

Sudan’s PM Advocates Peace at UN Amid US Pressure for Immediate Humanitarian Truce

TANZANIA – In a bid to bring an end to the prolonged…

Illini Icon Dee Brown Discusses the Intensity of the Braggin’ Rights Rivalry

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois Basketball icon Dee Brown recently caught up…

Custodian at Brown University Reportedly Alerted Authorities Several Times Prior to Shooting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a story that underscores the importance of vigilance…

Upstate Measles Outbreak Escalates with 9 New Cases, Totalling 144

In Columbia, South Carolina, the Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed…

SRP Board Greenlights $115K Boost for Over 20 Local Charities: Empowering Community Impact

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. – In a generous move, SRP Federal Credit Union…

Oldest Baby Boomers Turning 80 in 2026: Impact on America’s Aging Population and Economy

As the calendar approaches 2026, the eldest of the baby boomer generation—once…

New Speed Limits Set to Slow Down Traffic on 10 Roads in Manatee County

Residents and commuters in Manatee County will soon notice a shift in…