The short answer
Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool for your federal refund and the NCDOR "Where's My Refund?" tool for your North Carolina refund. For a federal return, status shows up about 24 hours after you e-file this year's return, 3 days after you e-file a prior-year return, or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return.
Check your federal refund
Go to the IRS Where's My Refund? tool at irs.gov/refunds, or sign in to your IRS online account. You can also use the IRS mobile app or the IRS automated refund hotline. You'll need:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, and so on)
- The exact refund amount on your return
- The tax year
Not sure your return went through? Your IRS online account shows your tax records once the IRS has processed your return, so you can confirm it arrived. You sign in with ID.me. → How to set up your IRS online account
When your federal status appears
| How you filed | When status is available |
|---|---|
| E-filed this year's return | When status is availableAbout 24 hours after you file |
| E-filed a prior-year return | When status is availableAbout 3 days after you file |
| Mailed a paper return | When status is availableAbout 4 weeks after you mail it |
If your refund comes as a paper check, the IRS says to allow 4 weeks from the date it was issued before requesting a trace.
Still waiting and not sure why? We can look at your return and your IRS account with you.
Related service: Tax Preparation in Shelby
Check your North Carolina refund
North Carolina refunds are tracked separately. Use the Where's My Refund? tool on the NC Department of Revenue website at ncdor.gov/wheres-my-refund. Have your North Carolina return (Form D-400) in front of you so you can enter the details it asks for.
Why a refund can take longer
- A math error or missing information on the return
- The IRS or NCDOR needs to confirm your identity
- Part of the refund was applied to a debt you owe (the IRS calls this a reduced refund)
- The return was filed on paper
- The return claims credits that need extra review
What to do if your refund is late
- 1.Check the status tool before calling. It updates as your return moves along.
- 2.Look for a letter in the mail. If the IRS or NCDOR needs something, they will write to you.
- 3.Respond quickly to any letter, following its instructions.
- 4.If you're still stuck, call us. As an Enrolled Agent, Mark can help you find out what's holding it up.
Official sources
- IRS, Refunds and Where's My Refund (irs.gov/refunds)
- NCDOR, Where's My Refund (ncdor.gov/wheres-my-refund)
This guide is general information, not advice for your situation. Tax rules change; check with us or the official source before acting.