This article covers the following topics:
No news is good news
The IRS does not proactively send status updates unless you request them or there is a problem with your return. If you are expecting a refund and have not received it within the normal window above, use the tracking tools described below or call the IRS to check your status.
If you owe no taxes and have not received any correspondence after filing, that is generally a positive sign. It means your return was processed without issues.
IRS timelines: Statuses of tax return & refund
After your return is filed, it progresses through four stages. Before tracking your refund, it helps to know what a normal timeline looks like. The table below explains what each status means and what to expect, assuming no issues with your return.
Status | What it means | What to expect |
No record found | You may see this error until your return is accepted. | If you recently filed, wait at least 24 hours after e-filing (or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return) before checking. |
Return received | Your return has been received but not yet processed. This stage typically lasts 24–48 hours for e-filed returns. | No action needed. |
Return accepted | The IRS has verified basic details (SSN/ITIN, dependents not double-claimed, etc.) and is ready to process your refund. | Track status on IRS.gov or state web portals. Updates post daily overnight. |
Refund approved | Your refund amount has been confirmed. This typically occurs within 3 weeks of acceptance for e-filed returns. | Deposit or mailing is being scheduled. |
Refund sent/deposited | Your refund has been issued. | Check your bank or mailbox. - Direct deposits arrive within 5 business days from the scheduled deposit date. - Paper checks issued before September 30, 2025 (see IRS phases out paper tax refund checks):
|
Notes:
If TFX e-filed your return, your tax preparer uploads the IRS acceptance confirmation within 48 hours. You can find it in your TFX account: Documents > Instructions & Confirmations.
IRS processing time:
E-filed returns with direct deposit are processed in approximately 3 weeks from IRS acceptance.
Paper-mailed returns take 6–8 weeks.
Amended returns (Form 1040-X) can take up to 16 weeks.
Streamlined Procedures submissions are processed in 13-17 weeks.
If the status "Return received" persists for several months, call the IRS. There could be a clerical or mailing error. Additionally, delayed refunds for child credits typically arise from discrepancies in dependent details such as name, age, and SSN. Refer to Tax refund delay: Why it’s taking so long & how to fix it for more information.
Timeline for IRS response after using Streamlined Procedures
If you submitted returns under the IRS Streamlined filing compliance procedures (SFCP) — a program for U.S. taxpayers who were unaware of their filing obligations while living abroad or inside the U.S. — note that it usually takes 90-120 days for the IRS to process a Streamlined Procedures submission. Delays are common due to the IRS's processing backlog.
If you owed tax and submitted full payment with your returns, expect to receive a follow-up bill for any interest not included in your original payment. Receiving this bill is a positive sign, as it means your returns have been processed.
If you owed no taxes, you will not receive any communication from the IRS. The IRS no longer sends Streamlined Program acceptance letters. If three months pass after filing without any IRS contact, you can reasonably assume your submission was accepted and your tax account is now in good standing.
Should the IRS require further documentation, you will typically receive a request approximately two months after filing. If you receive such a request, contact your TFX preparer immediately.
How to check the status of your federal refund
Where's my refund? (IRS.gov)
The IRS "Where's my refund?" tool at IRS.gov/refunds provides real-time status with specific milestone dates. Refund information is updated daily, generally overnight. The tool was expanded in 2025 and now shows more detailed messages than before, including the date your refund was approved and the scheduled deposit or mailing date.
To use it:
Go to IRS.gov/refunds and click Use refund tracker.
Enter your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), select the tax year, your filing status, and your exact refund amount as shown on your tax return.
Click Submit.
❗ Important note: The online refund tracker may not be reliable for foreign filers without a valid SSN or ITIN.
IRS2Go mobile app
The official IRS mobile app, IRS2Go, lets you check your refund status from your phone. It uses the same information as the web tool (SSN/ITIN, filing status, refund amount) and is updated on the same daily schedule. Download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
IRS Individual Online Account
The IRS Individual Online Account at IRS.gov/account is a more powerful option. Once logged in, you can view your return processing status, balance due, payment history, and tax transcripts — all in one place. This is the most efficient tool for taxpayers who need both status information and transcripts.
❗ Important note: Setting up an IRS Online Account requires identity verification through ID.me, which can be difficult for non-U.S. residents who lack a U.S. driving license or state ID. If you cannot complete ID.me verification online, please see IRS alternative options.
What to do if your refund is lost or has never arrived
If the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool shows your refund as "Refund sent" but the check/deposit has not arrived after the expected timeframe (typically 3–4 weeks for paper checks), your refund may be lost, stolen, or returned to the IRS as undeliverable. In this situation, you need to initiate a refund trace with the IRS. A refund trace allows the IRS to investigate what happened to your refund and issue a replacement.
There are two ways to open a refund trace:
Option 1: Use Where's My Refund, call the automated hotline at 800-829-1954, or speak with a representative at 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).
Option 2: Download, complete, and submit Form 3911 by mail or fax.
Notes:
If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can’t initiate a trace using the automated systems. File Form 3911 instead. Refer to the IRS refund inquiries FAQ.
If you would prefer not to handle this process yourself, TFX can prepare and file Form 3911 on your behalf. Our fee for this service is $300.
How to check the status of your state refund
Most state tax departments offer an online refund tracker. To find yours, refer to the article State web portals for tax payments & refunds. As an example, if you filed a New York state return, you can create an account and check your return status at www.tax.ny.gov/online.
How to check the status of your amended return
Amended returns (Form 1040-X) are processed separately and take longer — typically up to 16 weeks. You can track them using the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool on IRS.gov.
To use it:
Go to IRS.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return and click Check your amended return status.
Enter your Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your date of birth, and the ZIP or postal code — the address on the latest tax return you filed.
Click Submit.
Note: This tool only covers returns filed in the current year and the prior 3 years.
How to call the IRS
Phone is often the most direct way to resolve questions that online tools cannot answer.
For international taxpayers and overseas filers:
Call the IRS International Taxpayer line at +1 (267) 941-1000 (not a toll-free number) Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–11:00 PM ET.
You may also fax tax questions to +1 (681) 247-3101.
Note: You can call U.S. numbers from abroad free of charge using Google Voice or TextNow.
For US-based taxpayers:
Call the IRS toll-free number at +1 (800) 829-1040 Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM local time.
How to order tax transcripts
Tax transcripts are official summaries of your IRS records, including transcripts of past tax returns, tax account information, wage and income statements, and verification of non-filing letters. They are most commonly needed to validate income and tax filing statuses for mortgage, student loan, and small business loan applications, and to help with tax preparation.
There are four ways to obtain a transcript:
Option 1 (fastest): Get a transcript online through the IRS Individual Online Account at IRS.gov/account. Once logged in, transcripts are delivered instantly — no waiting period. This requires identity verification through ID.me, which can be difficult for non-U.S. residents.
Option 2: If you are unable to set up an IRS Online Account, request a transcript be mailed to you. Navigate to IRS.gov/individuals/get-transcript and click Get transcript by mail.
Option 3: Request a transcript be mailed to you by calling the IRS automated phone transcript service at +1 800-908-9946.
Option 4: Download, complete, and submit Form 4506-T by mail or fax.
Notes:
Mailing requests are processed within 10–30 business days, depending on IRS volume.
Ordering a tax transcript from the IRS does not mean you will get your refund faster.
Transcript types
The table below summarizes the five main transcript types. Refer to IRS transcript types for more information.
Transcript type | What it contains | Availability |
Tax return transcript | Most line items from your filed return. Does not reflect post-filing adjustments made by you or the IRS. Tax return transcripts are only available for: Form 1040 series, Form 1065, Form 1120, Form 1120-A, Form 1120-H, Form 1120-L, and Form 1120S. | Current year + 3 prior years. |
Tax account transcript | Filing status, taxable income, estimated payments, penalty assessments, and post-filing adjustments. Tax account transcripts are available for most returns. | Current year + 3 or 9 prior years. |
Record of account transcript | Combines the tax return and tax account transcripts — the most detailed option. | Current year + 3 prior years. |
Wage & income transcript | Data from information returns such as Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, and 5498. Does not include state/local information. The current year's data is generally unavailable until the year after it is filed with the IRS. For example, W-2 information for 2025, filed in 2026, will likely be available from the IRS in February 2027.
If you need W-2 information for retirement purposes, contact the Social Security Administration at +1 (800) 772-1213 (toll-free), 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST, Monday to Friday. | Current year + 9 prior years.
|
Verification of non-filing | Confirms you did not file a return (Form 1040-series) for a given year. Commonly required for financial aid and visa applications. | Current year (available after June 15) + all prior years. |
Note: A transcript isn't a photocopy of your return. If you need a copy of your original return, submit Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return. Refer to the form for the processing time and fee.
IRS letters: What they mean and what to do
Approximately 0.5% of all tax returns submitted to the IRS are not approved on the first review. Receiving a notice does not necessarily mean you made an error (many are routine). If you receive a letter or notice from the IRS, do not ignore it — most have response deadlines. The table below covers the most common notices individual filers receive.
Notice | What it means | What to do |
CP11 / CP12 | The IRS made a change to your return and either you owe more tax (CP11) or your refund was increased (CP12). | Review the change. If you agree, no action needed. If you disagree, respond within 60 days. |
CP2000 | The income or payment information the IRS has on file doesn't match what you reported. | Respond by the deadline on the notice. |
CP501 / CP503 / CP504 | You have a balance due. Escalating urgency across the series; CP504 is a formal notice of intent to levy. | Pay or arrange a payment plan immediately. |
Letter 525 / 531 | Your return is under examination (audit). The IRS is proposing changes to your tax liability. | Do not ignore. Respond by the deadline on the notice. |
Letter 4883C / 5071C | The IRS needs to verify your identity before processing your return. | Respond online at idverify.irs.gov or call the number on the letter. |
Notes:
If you receive an IRS letter related to a return prepared by TFX, submit a Previous return issue report in your TFX account free of charge. We will assist you in resolving it. Check our Amendment costs (TFX-prepared returns).
If you receive an IRS letter related to a return prepared elsewhere, TFX can assist. Order an IRS letter review service ($250) in your TFX account. Check our Amendment costs (self-prepared returns).