How to Check Your Tax Refund Status

5. Understand the Status

The tool will typically display one of three statuses:

  • Return Received: This means that the IRS has received your tax return, but it’s still being processed. Be aware that processing times can vary, and it may take some time before you see any updates.
  • Refund Approved: Congratulations! This status indicates that your tax return has been processed, and the IRS has approved your refund. The next step is sending the funds to your preferred payment method.
  • Refund Sent: This is the final stage, indicating that the IRS has sent your refund to your bank account or issued a check to your mailing address. If you opted for direct deposit, make sure to check your bank account regularly.
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