How to Track Your Money (The Right Way)
Checking your bank account every hour won’t speed up the process, but using the official tools will give you peace of mind.
1. Use the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool
The most accurate source of information is the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. You can start checking:
- 24 hours after e-filing your 2025 tax return.
- 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
What the Status Bars Mean:
- Return Received: The IRS has your return and is checking it for basic errors.
- Refund Approved: They have processed your return and confirmed the amount. A deposit date is usually provided at this stage.
- Refund Sent: The money is on its way to your bank (or the check is in the mail).
2. Check Your Transcripts
If “Where’s My Refund?” is stuck on “Processing” for weeks, your Account Transcript might offer more detail. By creating an account on IRS.gov, you can view your tax records. Look for Code 846 (Refund Issued) on your 2025 Account Transcript—this code often appears before the main status tool updates.
