If you’re wondering “Where’s my refund?” or how to check the status of your latest stimulus payment, you’re not alone. Many Americans want to track their federal tax refunds and stimulus payments quickly and easily. Fortunately, the IRS provides reliable tools and resources to help you do just that.
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What Is a Stimulus Payment?
Stimulus payments, also known as Economic Impact Payments, are funds distributed by the federal government to eligible individuals and families to provide financial relief during economic hardships, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments were part of various relief packages, including the CARES Act, and were sent in multiple rounds.
How to Check Your Stimulus Payment and Refund Status
The IRS offers a dedicated online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” which is the fastest and most secure way to check the status of your federal tax refund and stimulus payments.
Here’s what you need to check your refund or stimulus payment status:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly)
- The exact refund amount from your tax return (whole dollar amount)
You can access the tool via the IRS website or through the IRS mobile app, IRS2Go, available for iOS and Android devices. The system updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so checking multiple times a day won’t yield new information.
When Can You Check Your Refund or Stimulus Payment?
- For electronically filed returns, your refund status typically appears 24 to 72 hours after the IRS accepts your return.
- For paper returns, expect a longer wait—usually four weeks or more before your status appears.
- Stimulus payments were distributed over several weeks during the relief periods, and you could check their status on the IRS Get My Payment page during active distributions. Although the IRS no longer updates this tool for stimulus payments, you can see your total payments and claim any missing amounts via the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return.
Understanding Your Refund Status Messages
When you check your status on the IRS tool, you’ll see one of these messages:
- Return Received: The IRS has received your tax return and is processing it.
- Refund Approved: Your refund has been approved, and the IRS is preparing to send it.
- Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent to your bank account or mailed as a paper check. It may take several days to appear in your account or mail.
What If Your Refund or Stimulus Payment Is Delayed?
Delays can happen for various reasons, including errors on your tax return, identity verification issues, or if your refund amount is unusually large. If the IRS needs more information, they will contact you by mail. Avoid filing a second return unless specifically advised, as this can cause further delays.
Additional Tips for Tracking Your Refund and Stimulus Payment
- Use the IRS mobile app IRS2Go for convenient tracking on your smartphone.
- Keep your tax documents handy, especially your prior year’s tax return, as you may need information from it.
- For amended returns, use the Where’s My Amended Return tool, as processing times and tracking differ.
Conclusion
Tracking your stimulus payment and federal tax refund is straightforward with the IRS’s online tools. By having your SSN, filing status, and refund amount ready, you can quickly check your status and stay informed about your payments. For those missing stimulus payments, claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on your tax return is an important step to ensure you receive all eligible funds.