Where’s My Tax Refund?
💰 Filed your tax return and wondering where your refund is?
Once you mail your return, there can be a wait before the money arrives. Here’s how the process works and how to track your refund.
🏛️ Your Federal tax refund
⏱ Timing
The IRS generally advises waiting 4–6 weeks after you mail a paper return to receive your refund.
🔎 Track it online
Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to get updates.
You’ll need:
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Your SSN or ITIN
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Your filing status (for nonresidents: Single or Married Filing Separate)
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The exact refund amount shown on your return
📞 Track it by phone
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IRS Refund Hotline: 800-829-1954 (24/7, refunds only)
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IRS TeleTax: 800-829-4477 (24/7, general info + refund status)
📝 What the tracker shows
Progress through three stages:
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Return Received
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Refund Approved
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Refund Sent
📬 Mailing tips to avoid delays
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Allow a few days for the return to reach the IRS (longer from outside the U.S.)
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Use certified/approved delivery with tracking and proof of mailing date
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Ensure sufficient postage to avoid returns and delays
🧾 Special note for Form 1042-S refunds
If you’re requesting a refund of tax withheld on a Form 1042-S by filing Form 1040NR, the IRS may need up to six months from the original due date (or the filing date, if later).
🏙️ Your State tax refund
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No state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming. If you only had income like wages/scholarships/earnings, you didn’t file a state return and won’t have a state refund.
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Interest/dividends only taxed: New Hampshire, Tennessee (not wages/scholarships/other income).
For all other states, check your state’s online refund status tool or your state Department of Revenue site. Processing times vary by state (many list typical windows—for example, a few weeks to several months for paper returns).
🌍 If you’ve left the U.S.
Receiving a U.S. paper check abroad can be difficult. Plan your refund delivery method accordingly and make sure it’s one you can access from outside the U.S.