The IRS updates refund status once per day, usually between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time
The IRS Where's My Refund tool refreshes its data every 24 hours, but not at a fixed time you can set your watch to. The update window typically falls between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time, which means West Coast users may see changes as late as 10 p.m. Pacific. The exact timing varies slightly day to day because the IRS processes refunds in batches, and those batches don't always complete on the same schedule.
Checking your status at 2 a.m. Eastern Time will show you the most recent update. Checking at 11 a.m. will show you yesterday's status. The tool does not update throughout the day, so refreshing the page multiple times between updates will show you the same information each time. This timing applies to the main Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov. The IRS2Go mobile app uses the same underlying data and updates on the same schedule. Third-party tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct may display your refund status, but those displays pull from the IRS system and are only as current as the last IRS update.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS updates refund status once daily between midnight and 1 a.m. Eastern Time, not throughout the day.
- Checking multiple times before the next update window will show you the same status information.
- The Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov and the IRS2Go app both use the same update schedule.
- If your status shows "Refund Approved" or "Refund Sent," the actual deposit into your bank account may take three to five business days after the update appears.
- A status that does not change for more than 24 hours after you filed may indicate a problem that requires contacting the IRS directly.
How to check your refund status on IRS.gov
Go to IRS.gov and select "Where's My Refund?" from the homepage. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your filing status from your tax return, and the exact refund amount you expect. The tool will show you one of three statuses: "Return Received," "Refund Approved," or "Refund Sent."
"Return Received" means the IRS has your return but has not finished processing it. This status typically appears within 24 hours of filing electronically or within two to three weeks of mailing a paper return. "Refund Approved" means the IRS has reviewed your return, found no issues, and authorized your refund. "Refund Sent" means the IRS has sent the money to your bank or is mailing a check. The tool will tell you the expected deposit date or check arrival date. If you filed by mail, your return may not appear in the tool for up to 21 days. If you filed electronically, it should appear within 24 hours. If your return does not show up after those windows, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm they received it.
Why your refund status might not update for days
The IRS processes returns in the order they arrive, but not every return moves through at the same speed. A straightforward return with no dependents, no credits, and no deductions may process in five to seven days. A return claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, or other refundable credits can take three to five weeks because the IRS verifies those credits before releasing the refund.
If your return includes a dependent you have not claimed before, the IRS may hold it for additional verification. If your income on this year's return differs significantly from last year's, or if you claimed a loss, the IRS may review it more carefully. These holds are not errors — they are part of the normal verification process — but they do delay the "Refund Approved" status from appearing. A return that shows "Return Received" for more than 21 days without moving to "Refund Approved" may have a problem. Common issues include a mismatched name or Social Security number, a duplicate return filed in your name, or a math error on the return itself. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your return in front of you to find out what is holding it up.
The difference between "Refund Sent" and money in your account
When the Where's My Refund tool shows "Refund Sent," your money is on its way but not yet in your bank account. If the IRS is depositing your refund directly, it typically arrives three to five business days after the status changes to "Refund Sent." If the IRS is mailing a check, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery times vary by location.
The date shown in the tool is the date the IRS initiated the transfer or mailed the check, not the date it will land in your account. If you chose direct deposit on your return, the IRS sends the money to your bank, and your bank decides when to post it. Most banks post IRS refunds the same day they arrive, but some hold deposits for one business day. If the tool shows "Refund Sent" but the money has not appeared after five business days, check with your bank to confirm they received the transfer. If your bank has no record of it, contact the IRS with the refund date shown in the tool and ask them to trace the payment.
What to do if your status is stuck or shows an error
If your status has not changed for more than 24 hours after you filed electronically, or more than 21 days after you mailed your return, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return arrived, whether it is being reviewed, and whether there is a specific issue holding it up.
If the Where's My Refund tool shows an error message or will not accept your information, try again in a few hours. The tool occasionally goes offline for maintenance, usually in the evening. If the error persists after 24 hours, call the IRS. Do not assume the tool is broken — it may mean your return has not yet been entered into the system, which is normal if you filed very recently. If you filed a paper return and it has been more than 21 days with no status in the tool, the IRS may not have received it. Contact the IRS to confirm receipt. If they have no record, you may need to file again. Keep a copy of any paper return you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.
Refund timing for different filing methods
The time it takes to see your refund status and receive your money varies depending on how you filed and what is on your return. The table below shows typical timelines for the most common situations.
| Filing Method | When Status Appears | Typical Time to "Refund Approved" | Typical Time to Deposit After "Refund Sent" |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-filed, no credits | Within 24 hours | 5–7 days | 3–5 business days |
| E-filed, with credits | Within 24 hours | 3–5 weeks | 3–5 business days |
| Paper return | 2–3 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 7–10 business days (check) |
| Amended return (Form 1040-X) | 2–4 weeks | 8–12 weeks | 3–5 business days |
Returns with tax credits take longer because the IRS must verify that you meet the requirements for each credit before releasing your refund. Paper returns take longer because they must be scanned and manually entered into the system. Amended returns are processed separately and take the longest of all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status before I file my return?
No. The Where's My Refund tool only shows status for returns the IRS has already received. If you have not filed yet, the tool will not find your information. File your return first, then check the tool within 24 hours if you filed electronically or within 2–3 weeks if you mailed it.
Why does the IRS only update once a day instead of in real time?
The IRS processes millions of returns. Updating the status tool in real time would require constant database updates and would slow down the processing system itself. A once-daily update balances the need to show you progress with the need to keep the system running efficiently.
If I see "Refund Sent" on Monday, will the money be in my account by Friday?
Probably, but not always. Direct deposits typically arrive within 3–5 business days, so a Monday "Refund Sent" status often means Wednesday or Thursday deposit. Weekends and bank holidays can add time. If it has been five business days and the money has not arrived, contact your bank to confirm they received the transfer.
What if I filed my return through a tax software company — does that change when the status updates?
No. The update schedule is controlled by the IRS, not by the software you used to file. Whether you used TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or filed directly on IRS.gov, the status updates once daily on the IRS schedule. Some tax software shows the status within their app, but that data comes from the IRS and updates on the same timeline.
Can I speed up my refund by calling the IRS?
No. Calling the IRS can help you find out why your refund is delayed, but it cannot make the IRS process it faster. The processing time depends on whether your return requires verification, not on how many times you check the status or call the IRS.