Archive · 28 Jan 2026
IRS Refund 2026: Tracking Your Payments Online
Tax season is here, and many Americans are waiting for their refunds.
The IRS says the average refund last year was about $3,200, and this year it might be even higher, around $4,200.
Some people, like older adults and homeowners, might get bigger refunds because of new tax rules.
You can check your refund status online using the IRS's 'Where’s My Refund?'
tool.
You'll need your Social Security number, your filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return.
The tool is usually not available early in the morning, between 4 and 5 AM Eastern Time.
Once you enter your information, the tool will tell you if your return has been received, approved, or if your refund has been sent.
The average IRS refund last year was $3,200, with projections for this year's average to be around $4,200.
New tax deductions, such as a $6,000 senior deduction and an expanded $40,000 state and local tax deduction, may increase refunds for some taxpayers.
Refund information becomes available 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return, within 3-4 days for prior-year e-filed returns, or about 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
The 'Where’s My Refund?' tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app can be used to track refund status, requiring your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount.
The 'Where’s My Refund?' tool is typically unavailable between 4:00 and 5:00 AM Eastern Time.
- Who
- Americans filing tax returns
- What
- Tracking IRS refunds online
- When
- During tax season, with refund information available 24 hours after e-filing
- Where
- Online via IRS.gov or IRS2Go mobile app
- Why
- To check the status of tax refunds
- Average Refund (2025)
- $3,200
- Projected Average Refund (2026)
- $4,200
- New Senior Deduction
- $6,000
- Expanded State and Local Tax Deduction
- $40,000
- Refund Tracking Tool
- Where’s My Refund?
- Tracking Tool Availability
- Unavailable 4-5 AM ET
- Required Information for Tracking
- SSN/ITIN, Filing Status, Exact Refund Amount