Where’s my federal refund?
The IRS Where’s My Refund tool shows your federal refund about 24 hours after you e-file. It moves through three stages: received, approved, and sent.
What the IRS status means
Return received
The IRS has your return and is processing it.
Refund approved
Your refund amount is confirmed, with a date it will be sent.
Refund sent
The money has gone to your bank or a check is in the mail. Banks can take a few days to post it.
Source: IRS: Where’s My Refund
Other official IRS links
Sources: IRS: Online account · IRS: Transcript types · IRS: Where’s My Amended Return
While you wait, let a CPA look at your return.
Thousands of New Yorkers search for their refund every week. Many are owed more than they claimed. A licensed CPA reviews your return, your business structure and your 2026 and 2027 plan in a free consultation.
Frequently asked
How often does Where’s My Refund update?
The IRS usually updates the tool once a day, overnight, so checking more often won’t show anything new.
When will my status show up?
About 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return. Paper returns take several weeks longer.
My refund was smaller than I expected. Why?
The IRS may have corrected a credit or applied part of your refund to a debt. You’ll receive a letter explaining it. Bring that letter to us and we’ll review it.
Sources: IRS: Where’s My Refund · IRS: Online account · IRS: Transcript types · IRS: Where’s My Amended Return
Figures and rules on this page come from the official and published sources linked above, as of November 2026. People and numbers in the examples are made up to explain the idea. This page is general information, not tax or legal advice for your situation, and laws change; check the linked source or ask a licensed CPA before you act.
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