Have you already submitted your tax return to the IRS? Here's how to find out when you should receive your refund money.

Early results from the IRS indicate that 7.7% fewer tax returns were filed in the first two weeks of the 2025 season. Why are some delaying filing?

Tax credits tied to children and dependents are popular, but there are many restrictions. The IRS delays refunds on some credits to thwart fraud.

There are three status updates which the taxpayer might see: “received return,” “refund approved,” or “refund sent.” If the refund has been sent, it could be up to 5 days before the money shows up in your bank account or a few weeks before your check has been received.

The IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool lets you track the status of your money. Information is updated once a day, overnight – in other words, there’s no need to check multiple times a day. To find where your money is, you will need your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number, filing status and exact amount of refund on your return.

Most tax filers who submit tax returns online can expect to receive their refunds within 21 days, the IRS said. That means those who e-filed on Jan. 27 (or earlier with the new Free File Guided Tax Software) may be able to get their money as early as Monday, Feb. 17.

The IRS’s update on the progress of tax season this year so far shows that average tax refund amounts are up 18.6% versus the same time last year, total filings down slightly to date.