Kim
Filed your taxes and left wondering where your state or federal refund is? You’re not alone. As millions of Americans await their 2025 refunds or stimulus payments, understanding how to track your refund can save time and reduce stress.
Whether it’s a state refund or a federal stimulus check, there are reliable ways to get answers fast.
When Will I Get My Tax Refund?
The IRS processes most federal tax refunds within 21 days for those who file electronically and opt for direct deposit. If you did not provide banking details, the refund may arrive by paper check in 6 to 8 weeks.
However, submitting your return is not the same as the IRS accepting it. Once your return is accepted, you’ll typically receive a notification when checking your refund status online, such as “Refund Sent.” From there, expect to receive your funds soon after—especially if you chose direct deposit.
How to Check Your Federal Refund Status
To track your federal tax refund, use the IRS’s refund tracking tool. It becomes available:
- 24 hours after e-filing your return for the current tax year
- 3 to 4 days after e-filing a previous year’s return
- 4 weeks after mailing a paper return
You will need the following information:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly)
- Exact refund amount listed on your return
The tool will show one of three stages:
- Return Received
- Refund Approved
- Refund Sent
Once your refund is approved, it typically takes a few days to appear in your bank account if you chose direct deposit.
How to Check Your State Refund Status
Each state has its own online system to track refund status. You’ll generally need your SSN and the expected refund amount. Here’s how it works in a few states:
- Delaware: Refund status is usually available within 4 weeks for e-filers and up to 12 weeks for paper filers.
- Pennsylvania: Requires SSN and refund amount to provide a real-time update.
- New Jersey: Similar system offering live updates on refund progress.
Other states follow a similar process. Simply visit your state’s tax department website and locate the refund tracker portal.
IRS Refund Schedule for 2025
Based on current processing estimates, here’s when you can expect your federal refund:
| Filing Date | Direct Deposit (Estimated) | Paper Check (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| By April 7 | April 28 | June 6 |
| By April 15 | May 6 | June 16 |
Note: These are general estimates. Actual refund dates may vary depending on filing errors, security checks, and individual tax circumstances.
Tips to Receive Your Refund Faster
Want to avoid delays? Follow these tips:
- File electronically (e-file) instead of mailing a paper return
- Use direct deposit for faster payments
- Double-check your details before submitting your return
- Avoid errors like incorrect SSNs or mismatched bank account numbers
- Submit early to get ahead of processing backlogs
Federal vs. State Refund Tracking Comparison
| Feature | Federal Refund | State Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking Tool | National refund tracker | State-specific portals |
| Information Required | SSN, filing status, refund amount | Typically SSN and refund amount |
| Refund Timeline | 21 days (e-file) | 2–12 weeks (varies by state) |
| Updates Frequency | Daily (overnight) | Varies by state |
| Mobile App Availability | Yes (federal app available) | Limited by state |
If you’re asking, “Where’s my refund?”—the good news is that you don’t need to wait in uncertainty.
With the IRS and most states offering online tools, checking your tax refund or stimulus check status is easier than ever. Just keep your filing details handy, track updates daily, and rest assured that your money is on the way.
By staying proactive and informed, you can ensure your refund reaches you as quickly and securely as possible.
FAQs
How do I know if my tax refund is approved?
Once your return is processed and approved, you’ll see a status update saying “Refund Approved” or “Refund Sent” on the tracking tool. For federal refunds, this usually occurs within 21 days if you e-filed with direct deposit.
Why is my refund delayed even after it was approved?
Delays can be caused by issues like incorrect banking info, identity verification checks, errors in your return, or mailed-in paper filings. These require manual review and can extend the processing time.
Can I check both federal and state refunds at once?
No, they must be checked separately. Federal refunds are tracked through the IRS system, while each state provides its own portal to track state income tax refunds.