If your return was accepted less than 21 days ago, hang in there. It can take anywhere from a few days to 3 weeks to go from acceptance to approval.
For the most up to date information on your refund, you can track your federal refund here: Where's My Refund? which provides your current status and a specific, personalized date for your tax refund once it is available. You may also download the IRS2Go app to check your Federal refund status.
Here is the general timeline of e-filed returns:
Transmission > Acceptance > Processing > Approval > Refund.
The IRS issues most refunds in about 21 days, although some returns take more time to review.
To find out where your refund is, first check your e-file status. If it's been processed and accepted, you can begin to track your refund at the IRS Where's My Refund? site. You'll need your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund to check your status. The IRS will issue your refund when your return is approved.
Paper-filers: The IRS asks you wait 4 weeks after you mail your return before looking up your refund at Where's My Refund?
If it has been more than 21 days since your return was accepted, you can call the IRS directly to check on your refund status.
