Tax season is here, and if you’re waiting on a refund, you’re likely to want to track it to know exactly when it’s coming.
The IRS offers a free tool that will let you track the status of your refund in real time.
How to Track Your Tax Return
The IRS refund tracker, officially called Where’s My Refund, is the tool you can use for finding out when you get your tax refund. Easy to do, but you’ll need a few details handy:
- Your Social Security number or Taxpayer ID
- The precise refund amount coming from your tax return
- Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)
The tax year you’re checking
Where to check: You can access the tracker on the IRS website or through the IRS2Go app on your phone.
How Long Until Your Refund Shows Up
How often the IRS refund tracker updates depends on how you filed your return:
- E-filed (current year): Status updates in 24 hours
- E-filed (prior year): Updates in 3 to 4 days
- Paper filed: 4 weeks to show in the system
Understanding IRS Refund Statuses
The IRS refund tracker will show your refund at one of three stages:
- Return Received: The IRS has your return and is processing it.
- Approved Refund: Yes, your refund has been approved. Your refund will be mailed on the date shown.
- Refund Sent: A refund is sent to your bank account, usually taking up to 5 days by direct deposit or by mail, which could take weeks.
Key Dates During Tax Filing Season
- Tax Filing Start Date: The IRS begins to accept returns on January 27, 2025.
- Tax Deadline: Taxes are due on April 15, 2025. If the date of April 15 falls on a holiday, then the due date may change slightly.
How Much Will Your Tax Refund Be
There is no set amount for refunds. It depends on how much tax you paid versus what you owe. For 2024, the average IRS refund was $3,200. If you had too much taken out of your paycheck, expect a refund. Otherwise, you may owe taxes instead.
New Jersey IRS Direct File – A Free Filing Option
If you live in New Jersey, you may now use IRS Direct File, a free online tool to file both your federal and state tax returns. To qualify, you must:
- Have lived in New Jersey for the entirety of 2024
- Earned all of your income within New Jersey
- Use the same filing status for federal and state returns
This tool is available in English and Spanish and is accessible on phones, tablets, and computers. It helps ensure you get the tax credits you’re eligible for while making tax filing easier and more affordable.
Final Thoughts
If you use the Where’s My Refund tool and check often, you should have very little problem with tracking your refund from the IRS. If you electronically file, your status updates very fast, whereas if you mail it, you should allow a little more time.
Make sure your tax return is accurate to avoid delays, and stay on top of deadlines to avoid penalties. If you’re in New Jersey, consider using Direct File for hassle-free filing of your taxes.
