Every year, millions of people in the United States look forward to getting their tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For many, this refund is an important source of extra money, whether it’s used to pay bills, save, or spend on family needs.
In 2025, the IRS continues to offer the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which helps taxpayers track the status of their federal refund quickly and easily from home.
What Is the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool?
The IRS has created a simple online platform called Where’s My Refund?. This tool allows you to check the progress of your refund in real-time. It updates only once a day, so there’s no need to check it more than that.
To access it, you’ll need:
- Your Social Security number (SSN)
- Your filing status (Single, Married, etc.)
- The exact refund amount shown on your tax return
Once you enter this information, the tool will show one of three statuses:
- Return Received – The IRS has received your tax return
- Refund Approved – The IRS has approved your refund
- Refund Sent – The refund has been sent to your bank or by mail
If you chose direct deposit, your refund will go straight into your bank account. Most people who filed electronically can check their status within 24 hours. If you mailed your return, you’ll need to wait up to 4 weeks before the status appears online.
How Long Does It Take to Get My Refund?
If you filed electronically and everything is correct, most refunds are processed within 21 days. However, some refunds take longer—especially if:
- You made math errors
- Some information is missing
- There are identity verification checks
- You claimed special credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
These two credits face legal delays every year. In 2025, refunds for these credits started being issued on March 3, as explained by the IRS.
If you filed a paper return, the process is slower and can take 6 weeks or more. To speed up your refund, the IRS recommends filing electronically and using direct deposit.
Why Is My Refund Delayed?
Here are common reasons why your tax refund may be delayed:
- Errors in calculations or personal details
- Incomplete or missing information
- Fraud alerts or identity verification issues
- Claiming refundable credits that require extra review
- Offset for past tax debt or other financial obligations
If your refund is delayed beyond 21 days (e-filed) or 6 weeks (paper), and you see no update on the IRS tool, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
In some cases, your refund may be adjusted, and the final amount may differ from what you expected. You’ll receive a letter or update from the IRS explaining why.
How to Check Your State Tax Refund
State tax refunds are handled separately. Each state has its own system. Some offer online tools, while others may require you to call the state’s tax department directly. You can find the correct link through USAGov.gov, which was last updated in March 2025.
Can I Use My Phone to Track My Refund?
Yes! The IRS has a free mobile app called IRS2Go. With it, you can:
- Track your refund
- Get free tax help
- Make payments
- View tax updates
It’s available for both Android and iPhone users.
If you’ve split your refund across multiple bank accounts (up to three), check each one separately to confirm all deposits.
Are Refunds Bigger in 2025?
Yes, they are! As of April 4, 2025, the average refund was:
- $3,116, up 3.5% from last year’s $3,011
- For those using direct deposit, the average refund is $3,186, higher than $3,088 in 2024
This increase may be due to better tax planning, updated credits, or COLA adjustments in income-based benefits.
