As of late February 2025, the IRS has processed over 42 million tax returns and issued more than 29 million refunds. If you're among those who have submitted your tax return early but haven't received your refund yet, you might be wondering about its status. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to track your refund using the IRS's tools and offers insights into what different statuses mean.

How to Track Your 2025 Tax Refund

In the heart of the tax season, millions of Americans eagerly await their refunds. To ease this wait, the IRS offers a user-friendly tool called "Where’s My Refund?" which updates once daily overnight. By providing your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), filing status, and the expected refund amount in whole dollars, you can check the progress of your refund.

The process begins after 24 hours of e-filing or four weeks for paper filings. Upon visiting the IRS website and clicking the "Check your refund" button, you'll be directed to a page where you can enter your details. The tool will then inform you whether your return has been received, approved, or sent. Additionally, the IRS mobile app, IRS2Go, available for iOS and Android, allows users to monitor their refund status conveniently.

If you encounter messages like "Tax Topic 152" or "Tax Topic 151," these indicate that your refund is either pending approval or under review. The IRS FAQ website provides detailed explanations for such codes. For those who prefer direct deposit, ensure you provide accurate account and routing numbers. Otherwise, your refund might be mailed as a paper check, which takes longer to arrive.

For previous tax years starting from 2022, the "Where’s My Refund?" tool remains useful. However, for older records, the IRS online account offers comprehensive details including payment history and notices.

From a reader's perspective, understanding these tools and statuses can significantly reduce anxiety during tax season. Knowing where your refund stands empowers you to take proactive steps if issues arise. It also highlights the importance of accurate information when filing, ensuring a smoother refund process.