If you’re waiting for a stimulus payment or refund, you can track it securely using official IRS and state tools. These systems update daily and give accurate details about when your payment will arrive.
Check Your Stimulus Payment Status on the IRS Website
The IRS offers a tool called Where’s My Refund? that lets you track your refund or Recovery Rebate Credit. You can access it at irs.gov/refunds. To use it, you’ll need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
When you enter the information, the system will show one of three possible statuses.
Return Received
This means the IRS has received your return and it’s being processed.
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Refund Approved
Your refund has been approved and a payment date will appear soon.
Refund Sent
Your refund has been sent to your bank or mailed as a paper check.
The IRS updates the information once per day, usually overnight. Checking it multiple times daily won’t show new updates.
How Long It Takes to Receive Your Payment
If you chose direct deposit, most refunds are issued within 21 days after the IRS accepts your return. If you’re expecting a paper check, it can take six to eight weeks to arrive in the mail.
You can also track your refund by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready to verify your information.
Tracking State Tax Refunds or Relief Payments
Each state manages its own refund tracking system. Residents of Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey can check their refund status on their state’s official revenue department website. You’ll need to provide your Social Security number and refund amount to access your record.
Avoiding Stimulus Payment Scams
The IRS never contacts taxpayers by text, email, or social media to confirm bank details or personal information. Any message asking for this information is a scam. Only use IRS.gov or your state’s verified tax portal to check your refund or stimulus payment.
If you receive a suspicious message, forward it to phishing@irs.gov. Staying alert and relying only on official sources will help you protect your information and track your payment safely.