Where's your refund? Ask the source.

Skip the rumor mill — the IRS publishes your actual refund status, updated nightly. You'll need three things: your Social Security number, your filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.

The realistic timeline

• E-file + direct deposit — most refunds arrive within about 21 days of acceptance; many sooner.
• Paper return — six to eight weeks or more; paper anything is the slow lane.
• Returns claiming EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit — by law, these refunds are held until mid-February regardless of how early you file.
• Status stages — "Received" → "Approved" → "Sent." Direct deposits typically land within days of "Sent."

When to actually worry

If it's been more than 21 days since e-file acceptance (or the tool tells you to contact the IRS), something needs attention — commonly identity verification letters, math adjustments, or offsets against other debts. Don't guess at IRS correspondence: bring us the letter and we'll decode it.