Where’s My Tax Refund?

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The IRS officially opened for the 2014 tax season today and a common question asked around this time is “Where’s My Refund?”

Many taxpayers also have questions about how the process of getting tax refunds and refund timing works.

We know you work hard for your money and wanted to answer some of the most common questions we see about the issuance of tax refunds.

Here is a breakdown of how your tax return will progress through 3 stages with the IRS -“Return Received”, “Return Approved”, and “Refund Sent” once you e-file and where you can go to check your refund status so you understand “Where’s My Refund?”:

Refund Process

  1. Start checking status 24 – 48 hours after e-fileOnce you e-file with direct deposit, you can start checking the status of your return 24 – 48 hours after you e-file on the IRS Where’s My Refund tool.
  2. Return Received Notice within 24 – 48 hours after e-file – The IRS Where’s My Refund tool will show “Return Received” status once they begin processing your tax return.  You will not see a refund date until the IRS finishes processing your tax return and approves your tax refund.
  3. Status change from “Return Received” to “Refund Approved” – Once the IRS finishes processing your tax return and confirms your tax refund is approved, your status will change from “Return Received” to “Refund Approved”.  Sometimes the change in status can take a few days, but it could take longer and a date will not be provided in Where’s My Refund? until your tax return is processed and your tax refund is approved.
  4. Where’s My Refund? tool shows refund date – The IRS will provide an actual refund date once your status moves to “Refund Approved”.  The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in 21 days or less.
  5. Where’s My Refund? shows “Refund Sent” – You’re now closer to your biggest tax refund! If the status in Where’s My Refund? shows “Refund Sent”, the IRS has sent your tax refund to your financial institution for direct deposit.  It can take 1 to 5 days for your financial institution to deposit funds into your account.  If you requested that your tax refund be mailed, it could take several weeks for your check to arrive.

Here are more answers to your common questions about your tax refund:

Will I see a date right away when I check status in “Where’s My Refund”? 

Where’s My Refund will not give you a date until your tax return is received, processed, and your tax refund is approved by the IRS

It’s been longer than 21 days since the IRS has received my tax return and I have not received my tax refund.  What’s happening?

Some tax returns take longer than others to process depending on your tax situation.  Some of the reasons it may take longer are incomplete information, an error, or the IRS needs to review it further.

What other sources can I use to check my refund status?

Once you have e-filed your tax return with TurboTax, you can check your status using MyTurboTax.  You can even check your status on the go from your mobile device using TurboTax free app MyTaxRefund.

If you haven’t e-filed your taxes yet, you can start today.  You may even be able to e-file your federal tax return for free and have your biggest tax refund in your pocket within 21 days.

3,444 responses to “Where’s My Tax Refund?”

  1. Filed on the 6th,accepted the same day finally last night i got a DDD of the 26th,I have already paid my fees but who knows if i will actually get them wed.Seems like a lot of ppl are getting the 26th for their DDD….Gotta love our Government,good luck to us all.

  2. I’m a little confused. The IRS WMR? site shows that the refund was sent on 2/20. I still have not received anything in my account. When I pulled up my transcripts, it shows that the refund is issued 3/3/14.

    Surely that is not correct. My cycle is 0703, whatever that means. I’ve never had a refund take this long.

  3. Filed mine on Jan 31 I was able to see my transcripts and got cycle 20140701 but I don’t know what day should I receive my refund, can someone please help ???

    • I feel like it depends on your bank because last year my dd was 20130504 fifth week 4th day and my funds were in the bank.2/5/2013. This year it’s 20140705

  4. This year I filed my return on February 19th and this morning I received a due date of 2/26/2014. The past two years (2012,2013) I received both of my tax returns in around 10-15 days of filing. Both of those years I checked wmr on IRS website almost religiously and it never changed from processing. Even after I received my refund I checked and it still said processing. Before this year I have never had a due date for a return but still received my returns. I know what it’s like to need your refund desperately like as of a week before the current day. Just try to stay calm and before you know it your return will be in your account. There are millions of people who file for returns each year. Some will be lucky and receive theres in just a few days and others might have to wait the 2-3 weeks. Just hang in there. Just because wmr still says processing doesn’t mean something is wrong with your return. I personally have never had a due date or been approved on wmr until this year. Good luck to those still waiting hang in there.

  5. Update…Filed on the Feb 9th…WMR is saying it should be sent on the 24th…Got my refund today……..Direct Deposit….My boyfriend filed Feb 9th wmr is saying it was sent, he still has not gotten his refund!! I think that wmr is messed up!!! Hope everyone else gets their money

  6. Next time, I will not file my income tax before the 31st. It is taking way longer than it ever has to process my return. Everyone in my family has gotten their return except for me and our taxes were filed by the same person. Hopefully, I will have some good news next week.

  7. Hello! I used Turbotax for the first time this year. I put my fiance’s bluebird card info in for direct deposit. I didn’t know that it wouldn’t be accepted because it wasn’t in my name. Well, Bluebird rejected it and now I have to wait for a paper check to be sent to me. How long will it take?? Thanks in advance! =)

  8. To talk to someone I just call 800-829-0922 and just press ‘0’ a few times. If you get really desperate call the Tax Payer Advocate 877-777-4778. They have the same information as the IRS reps and if you say you have a hardship And the IRS isn’t telling you anything they can help. The advocate is who gave me my ddd today and WMR still hasn’t updated.

  9. I filed my return on 1/31 it was “accepted” the next day, checked wmr and for about a week it went through all 3 stages of processing. Told us our refund would be in on 2/10. It even said it was deposited into our account on 2/10. DD came and went and no money. I checked wmr Monday and all week now it says that the refund is processing. No refund date, nothing! It just disappeared! We are in financial hardship right now and were depending on this money to get us out of this hole. So stressful to be told a DD and even that it was deposited and now nothing. Tried to call and couldn’t get through to anyone. Been over 21 days now. Anyone have any advice?

  10. Filed 1/26 accepted 1/28 had one bar until 2/13 then no bars saying your refund is still being processed a date will be provided when available was unable to order a return until this afternoon at 12:45pm but status is still the same with no bars called IRS several times was told wait until Monday

  11. I was finally able to see my refund transcript just now. My cycle is 0805, I guess that means I should have my deposit by Wednesday. Thank god.

  12. Still no refund still processing dam thought it would of been a good birthday gift for me today o well see if its done tonight day 21

  13. I just e-filed with TurboTax. 20 minutes later I got an email saying my federal return was accepted. I will keep you posted on further details.

  14. Damn you just ungrateful and impatient. First you on here complaining about not getting your refund and not knowing any information about getting it. Now that you have a refund date you on here complaining about how soon it will be deposited. Go find something else to do. Its people on here that don’t have a clue as to when or what is going on with their refund.

    • I get talk to rude because I asked a question wow God bless you to and no who ever you are I’m not ungrateful I’m very grateful with out them I would be able to put my son to rest sorry for asking a question just trying to lay my son to rest ugh I’m never going on this site again I pray that you all get your money soon God bless good by

      • What I said was not rude. You were on here complaining just like everyone else of not having any info on your refund. You spoke to a rep from irs that informed you of when to expect your money. Be grateful that you have a date to look forward to. There are so many others on herat need the money just as much as you who don’t have any info on their refund. All you’ve been talking about is your five kids you have to take care of now all of a sudden you have to lay a child to rest. My condolences if that’s the truth

      • Yes I have kids and also 7 mons pregnant with my son that I just lost and thank I pray there all of you have good news over the weekend I just asked the question because I never did income taxs be for and don’t no how it goes not really in a rush just asked I do apologize if I made people mad didn’t mean to

      • Ebony,God Bless you,I dont know you ,but God sees your need sweetie,Very sorry to hear of your loss!!May Gods blessing pour out on your life…

    • What’re you even talking about you psycho?! I’ve never been on here before and was just as clueless as everyone else. I’m trying to plan a surgery for when my refund comes in, and all I wanted was a time frame. Your attitude toward others is deplorable, especially since you read the situation wrong and mistaked me for someone else when all I was doing was seeking answers, just like everyone else. Did your mother not teach you the golden rule? Maybe apply it and actually learn what you’re talking about before you jump all over someone.

  15. Filed mine the 1st got approved checked wmr it said money will be deposited the 18 checked the 19 and still nothing called the lady who filled our taxes well she messed up and gave wrong routing num now there sending our check thru mail does anyone have any clue on how long it will take??????

  16. If my refund date is 2/26/14 and I have direct deposit to my insight card will I get it the same day or early does anyone no or have there refund put on a insight card from check cashing

  17. I filed with Turbo Tax on the 31st of Jan., The IRS accepted my return that same day (supposedly). It has been 21 days exactly. I called the IRS and finally able to get through to a rep. I gave the rep my information and she told me that they just received my return on the 14th of Feb.
    So, I’m confused! Whose being truthful here, Turbo Tax, or the IRS?!?!?!
    If I filed on the 31st, why is the IRS just not receiving it 2 weeks later?? #Pissed!!!!

  18. To get a live agent who can get into your account call 18008290582 ext 623. I just was able to get transcripts for both return and account after being accepted Feb 3rd. I’ve received an update with a cycle date of 20140805 this morning which is 3 days before my 21 days were up. Hope this helps. Also, I still have no bars on WMR been gone since Feb. 6

  19. I did my taxes on January 30th and it was accepted on January 31st. according to Turbo tax I should get it before February. 21st and I have direct deposit. I checked my account this morning and it still says processing. so that means I will not get my taxes till way after the 21st because it has said processing for 3days now.

  20. Well i filed my taxes jan 3rd and while turbotax told me i got accepted jan 24th and i know the irs didnt start accepting until the 31st I finally got a hold to a live person from the irs and the person told me i actually didnt get accepted until 2/13 so i will have a due date of 3/7 i hope that really happens because i been waiting on this money

    • Exact same thing happened to me, filed the 30th accepted the 31st I called the irs yesterday morning and they told me I wasn’t actually accepted until the 14th and to wait 21 days from that day. So a little more of a wait but at least I know now there is nothing wrong, seems like this has happened to a lot of early filers.

  21. umm day 21 still no money it was accepted on 1/31 still nothing no bars they disappeared been gone about a week! Getting really frustrated and answers anyone? oh btw no dd either

  22. My return was accepted by the IRS on Feb. 13th but every time I check via the IRS website, it’s still not processing yet. TurboTax is saying that 83% of people who filed on that same date have already received their returns. What’s the deal with that?

  23. I used a prepaid card when i completed my refund. But the prepaid card wont activate. My refund was due to come to me 3/20. Are they going to issue me a check, if so how long is that going to take. I cant seem to talk to anyone about this when i call the 800 number

  24. I filed on the 31st but irs send it back to my tax person cause they got one of my daugthers birthday year wrong so he fixed it and resend it on the 1st dnt know when it got accepted tho but it stayed on processing till last week sunday and went to approved and send that my refund should be send to my account by 21st. So I checked my account this morning at 3am and my refund was in my account but when I go to wmr its just approved. I am glade I finally got my money and I guess cause I bank with wells fargo I didnt have to wait longer. So I know its a pain but keep checking ur bank account not just wmr

    • Thank you I will just keep checking because on wmr it still says dd date 2/21 not sent. I called Jackson Hewitt and they said it is in the process of being sent

  25. Is’nt it funny that if your lucky enough to talk to a real IRS agent the tell you to be “patient” Well guess what,they were’nt “patient” when they got my money before I did EVERY payday last year!! Well guess what JACK “ITS MY MONEY AND I NEED IT NOW!!!!!!”

  26. Day number 22 WMR showing still processing. Called the irs talked to a lady she looked up my account and my dd is scheduled for the 26th. I hope she’s right!!

    • I’m on day 22 to called irs and a man looked into my account and told me my dd date was the 26 witch is Wednesday and he told me sorry for the delay he was very nice thank god after all this waiting finally

      • How do u get someone on the phone? What number do u dial I call customer service number and just get automated never a person

      • When you call the number you press 1 2 2 4 1 you have to tell them you receive a error code 1121 for them to look into your account and tell you what’s going on tell them it has that error code and it told you to call them

  27. I received my federal refund electricly Wilcox McCorkle (Darlene M. Underwood) Prepared them as she has for three years,question:weres the rest of my federal check i was shorted $7094.00. I owe no one,so why havent you sent,you sent only Fed:$1123.00 the (line3.on form 8879)income taxes witheld. Not right amount line( 5. Refund$8217) so please fix mistake send thank you.

  28. Hey everyone who’s still in the first box. I called 18008291040 spoke with a rep I just informed her that I was prompted to call and she advised me that I was accepted with a ddd of Feb.26. Mines was accepted on February 3rd. Hope this helps:)

  29. Update filed January 16 accepted January 26 called irs said I was randomly selected for review will receive refund in 2 weeks

  30. Turbo Tax the IRS accepted my return on 2/1… which was also the same day I filed. I was told on TT that I should expect my refund before 2/20… then a few days later it was changed to 2/21… so here it is… February 21, and still no refund. I can’t even check the IRS website without being told I have to wait 24 hours… EVERYTIME. I’ve even called.

    Anyone else experiencing this problem?

    • Seriously, this is unnecessary. Keep ur rude comments to urself. There are reasons other than paying fees of why someone is unable to establish an acct. but everyone has there own reasons, if anyone is being ghetto… Its what you just did. Plain rude!

    • LMBOOOOOO I paid mine upfront because if any issue came up, I was gonna use that as leverage. Haha. But maybe some just don’t have the means Will 🙁

    • Yeah, that’s not funny at all. I love how everyone is an oracle and knows everyone’s situation smh. Ftr, I DO have a bank account and I DID pay my fees upfront and still have yet to hear anything. What do you say to that dear oracle? I love the “you people” part. Priceless smdh

  31. Update file on 1/31 and accepted same day look at wmr and it says processing but I look at my transcripts and the code 846 meaning refund has been process finally sometimes wmr doesnt update no now I will check sbbt. I will update asap

  32. Mine was filed & accepted on 2/5 now wmr says still processing dd to come. Can’t order transcript spoke to rep at irs they said it takes 21 days to process. I know ppl who filed after me & got their $$ already. This is frustrating!!!!!

  33. Update!!!! Still on processing but I was able to order my account transcripts but not my return transcripts I looked on turbotax site where I did my taxes it says that it might be delayed because of there financial institutions taking money out first which leaves me with my mouth open cause I do owe $1025 in C.S(child support) but if thats all then idc just send me whats left so I can get a life this waiting game is draining the life out of me I had less stress waiting for my kids to be born lol …. I’ll keep posting and waiting any feedback with similar situations please dont hesitate to post……

    • hello. i think it may depend on state and counties but i had a past balance of 68.00 in licking county ohio and they offset my tax refund for that. it delayed my refund by 2 and a half weeks. i filed for that rapid refund where u pay to have your money in 2 to 3 days i still ended up paying the fee for that but yet took me about 2 to 2 and a half weeks to get. child support does not care that you still have bills to pay or you have other children to feed. no matter the circumstance if your in the child support sytem here then you are immediatley declared a dead beat.

  34. I filed on February 1st it got accepted on the 2nd now my bar is gone and no refund date when I check the tax payer website they said I didn’t file within the bracket so I have 7 more days to go y when everybody that filed with me got there’s in 8 days

  35. Just got off the phone with the IRS, I filed on 1/26 accepted on 1/28 she told me that they just began processing my refund on 2/14 and my 21 days will be up 3/7. I have no words, absolutely no words. I was able to order my transcripts though, so I do not understand, as I said no words. Both reps were nice, so if you call just be kind and they will be kind and do all that they can to help you.

    • I just got off the phone with irs and my refund is delayed by 2 weeks from 1/29 and they are viewing it now and I should c ontinue to check wmr within the two weeks it should be processed and I should receive ddd on wmr

      • Lauren, call 800-829-1040 press 1 for English and then 2 for personal refund and then just keep hitting 0 goodluck. this is very frustrating

      • 8008291040 I went to the business tax line first, told them its been 21 days since I was accepted and the las rep I spoke to told me to call back if I
        haven’t received my refund in 21 daysv

      • UUGGH!! I’m so frustrated..I called yesterday, and they told me to call back when my 21 days was up..So I called right away this am and now they tell me that my refund wasn’t accepted until Feb.3rd..( I filed on Jan31st) All she could tell me, was to keep trying the website..I have been filing taxes for 25yrs, and have NEVER had this much trouble!! Good luck to us all  

      • I now wish I did not file early, my coworker filed a week after me, and she got her money Saturday, this is ridiculous.

  36. Question guys. Im supposed to be getting a paper check in the mail. But my status says my check has been sent to my bank? Is that a generic answer, or should I be calling IRS?
    And Ok just a lil advice to some of you early filers, they are putting a hold on returns filed before 1/31….why? To avoid fraud and such. Smh. Also, if you don’t see your status online, try the direct number… 1800-829-1040. I heard my status on the phone before it even popped up on the wmr website.

    • How are you guys reaching an actual person? I am in the same boat as everyone else my stuff was accepted on the 31st and still being proccessed but people who have filed later than me received there refund!

  37. Just check again now mines is saying its still being processed with no bars and a refund date will be provided when available smh ugh this is so nerve wrecking

  38. Filed with turbotax on 02/06/2014.accepted that same day. Was able to obtain transcript on Saturday 15 feb 2014. Early Sunday morning 16/02/2014 Wmr changed to approve. Ddd 21.
    Still waiting for deposit tommoriw with Citibank.

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