Check your refund status
| Refund | Official tool | What you'll need |
|---|---|---|
| Federal (IRS) | IRS: Where's My Refund | Social Security number, filing status and the exact refund amount |
| Federal amended return | IRS: Where's My Amended Return | Social Security number, date of birth and ZIP code |
| New Jersey | NJ Division of Taxation: Check Refund Status | Social Security number and the exact refund amount |
| New York | NY Tax Department: Check Your Refund | Social Security number, tax year and the exact refund amount |
Use only these official sites. Scam emails and texts about "refund problems" are common, and the IRS doesn't start contact by email, text or social media.
How long refunds usually take
- IRS, e-filed with direct deposit: most refunds are issued within 21 days.
- Paper returns take considerably longer, often several weeks or more.
- Amended returns commonly take several months to process.
- Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit can't be refunded before mid-February by law.
Why a refund is late or smaller than expected
- Identity verification: the IRS or state may send a letter asking you to verify your identity before releasing the refund. Respond promptly.
- Math or information mismatches between your return and W-2s, 1099s or prior payments.
- Offsets: refunds can be applied to past-due federal or state taxes, child support, or other debts owed to government agencies, including delinquent SBA loans referred to the Treasury. See COVID EIDL and PPP loans.
- Missing returns: an unfiled prior-year return can hold up the current refund. See unfiled tax returns.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check my New Jersey tax refund?
Use the New Jersey Division of Taxation's Check Refund Status tool on nj.gov. You'll need your Social Security number and the exact refund amount from your return.
How do I check my New York State refund?
Use the New York Tax Department's Check Your Refund tool on tax.ny.gov, with your Social Security number, the tax year and the exact refund amount.
How long does an IRS refund take?
Most e-filed returns with direct deposit are refunded within 21 days. Paper and amended returns take longer.
Why was my refund reduced?
Common reasons are corrections to the return, or an offset that applied part of the refund to a past-due tax or other government debt. You'll receive a notice explaining the change.