As of Friday millions of Americans are still tracking their IRS refund status and wondering when their stimulus checks will arrive. Whether you filed early, mailed in your return, or are waiting on amended paperwork, here’s what you need to know to check your refund status and understand possible delays.
Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool
The IRS offers a free online tracker, Where’s My Refund?, which gives real-time updates on the status of your refund, including any stimulus-related payments.
When can you check your status?
- 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return
- 3 to 4 days after e-filing a prior-year return
- 4 weeks after mailing a paper return
The tool updates once daily, typically overnight, and is unavailable for maintenance between 4–5 a.m. Eastern Time.
What you’ll need to check:
- Social Security number or ITIN
- Filing status (e.g., single, married)
- Exact refund amount from your return
Mobile users can download the IRS2Go app to access the same information.
Refund status stages explained
The refund tracker displays three phases to help you understand your refund’s progress:
- Return Received: Your tax return has been received and is under review.
- Refund Approved: Your refund is approved and the IRS is preparing to send it.
- Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent via direct deposit or paper check.
If your refund is sent, direct deposit can take up to 5 days to post, while mailed checks may take several weeks.
Stimulus check processing for 2025
While there’s no new stimulus program announced as of mid-July 2025, some taxpayers may be receiving delayed stimulus payments from past credits or reconciliation claims filed this year. These payments will show up alongside your regular refund if eligible.
Reasons your refund may be delayed
According to the IRS, refunds—including stimulus-related refunds—might be delayed due to:
- Errors or incomplete information in the tax return
- Identity verification or fraud review
- Paper return backlogs (as of July, IRS is processing paper returns from April 2025)
- Banking delays on weekends or holidays
Taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may also see delays. For eligible filers, refunds were expected by March 1, provided they filed electronically and opted for direct deposit.
When to call the IRS
You only need to contact the IRS if:
- “Where’s My Refund?” tells you to call
- It has been more than 28 days since the IRS mailed your refund and you still haven’t received it
- You filed on paper more than 6 months ago and the tracker shows no record of receipt
IRS phone lines remain open, but wait times can be significant. Check the tool first before calling.
What to do if your refund is lost or stolen
You may file an online claim for a replacement check if your mailed refund has not arrived within 28 days. The tracker will guide you through the process if eligible.
Important reminders
- Filing a second tax return will not speed up your refund and may cause further delays.
- Use the official IRS tracker instead of calling, as phone representatives see the same data you do.
- If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), use the separate tool Where’s My Amended Return?
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