Tax season 2024: When should I start checking for my refund status after filing my taxes?

Choosing when to check the progress of your tax return is a choice and there isn’t a specific ‘right time’ to do so. The IRS doesn’t send refunds immediately once they have received your return.

In order to see your filing status, you need to have submitted your return electronically or by mail. The timing for when you will have a resolution depends on how you submitted your tax return. Here are some guidelines:

E-filing (Online): If you filed your taxes electronically (e-filed), you can check your refund status within 24 hours after the IRS receives your return. They estimate a 21-day wait until a refund is sent.

Paper Filing: If you filed a paper tax return by mail, it will take longer for the IRS to process your return. You can generally check your refund status within four weeks after mailing your paper return. Refunds can take between six and eight weeks.

Checking the status of your refund

You can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app. These resources provide real-time updates on the processing status of your return and the estimated date of your refund.