The best way to check the status of a refund is through the Where's My Refund? tool or the IRS2Go app.

Taxpayers can also call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 to get their refund status. This hotline has the same information about current tax year refunds as Where's My Refund? There is no need to call the IRS unless Where's My Refund? says to do so.

Where’s My Refund has the most current information about refund status. It is updated once a day, usually overnight. Even though the IRS issues most refunds within 21 days, it's possible a refund may take longer. If the IRS needs more information to process a tax return, the agency will contact the taxpayer by mail. Taxpayers should also consider the time it takes for banks to post the refund to the taxpayer's account. People waiting for a refund in the mail should allow extra time.

Withholding takes place throughout the year, so it's better to take this step as soon as possible.