If you are due a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and want to know when it will arrive, you can check the refund's status online or by phone. The IRS expects to have your refund completed within three weeks if you file your taxes online, and within six weeks if you file through the mail.

Checking the Status Online

The IRS maintains a website that allows you to check the status of your refund online. To do so, submit your Social Security number, filing status and the exact dollar amount of your refund to verify your identity. If you filed online, you will usually be able to check your refund status about three days after the IRS receives your return. For hard copies, it takes three to four weeks from the time you mail your return for the information to be available online.

Checking the Status by Phone

You can also check the status of your refund over the phone. The IRS's automated system can be reached at (800) 829-1954. When you call, you will need the same information as is required by the online refund status check: Social Security number, filing status and dollar amount of your return.

Refund Delays

Sometimes refund checks get lost in the mail or are otherwise undeliverable. The IRS will issue you a new refund check if at least 28 days have passed since the check was mailed. When this happens, make sure that your address is correct. If there is an error in your mailing address that causes the check to be returned to the IRS, you are allowed to update your mailing address online through the "Where's My Refund?" website, if eligible.

Source:

IRS: Topic 152 - Refund Information

IRS: Where's My Refund?

More Information:

IRS: Check Refund Status