Do you want to check the status of your tax return? Follow the guide to know how you can check the status of the tax return that you may have filed. So, let’s get started.
How long after filing can we check the status of the tax return?
This is quite a subjective area, and the wait times for checking your tax status depend entirely on how you sent your return to the IRS. For example, if you filed it electronically, you can usually start tracking your refund status after just 24 hours. It is faster and simpler that way. However, if you mailed a paper return, you will need to be much more patient, as it typically takes about four weeks for your information to even show up in their system. This is a traditional method that most people avoid due to the same reason. However, once processed, most people see their refund within 21 days. But if there is a complex return, it can take longer.
Steps to check the status of your tax return
If you want to check the status of your tax return, then these are the steps that you can follow.
- The First thing to take care of is to make sure that you have your vital information with you. You are going to need your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your exact filing status, and the specific amount of the total refund shown on your return. This data should be real and crisp.
- But let us tell you that the easiest way is to head over to the official IRS website and find the ” Where’s My Refund ” tool. It is accessible anytime during the day and is usually updated once every night. This means that there is no need to check it multiple times, as it is usually always updated at the right time.
- If apps feel handier to you, then you can download the official IRS2Go app on your phone. It gives you the same information as the website, but in a compact manner that will make it easier to navigate through things.
- For those who prefer using their phone, you can call the automated refund hotline. You can just follow the voice prompts to enter your details, and it will give you a real-time status update which is real-time.
You must also keep an eye on the stages, which usually move from return received to refund approved and then finally to refund sent. They also give you an idea as to where your return stands.



