Yes, you can call the IRS about your refund, but it's usually best to check the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool first, as calling won't speed things up and often means long waits; call only if the tool directs you to or if you've lost a check, need to trace a refund, or have specific issues like a hardship or change to your refund amount.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation). If you filed a married filing jointly return, you can't initiate a trace using the automated systems.
IRS refunds for electronically filed returns with direct deposit are typically issued within 21 days, but paper returns take much longer (up to 6+ weeks), and any return with errors, identity theft issues, or claiming EITC/ACTC credits can be delayed, often requiring extra review. You can track your refund status using the {Link: "Where's My Refund?" tool or IRS2Go app on the IRS website, which updates daily.
To speak to a live person at the IRS, call the main line (800-829-1040), choose your language, then follow the prompts by selecting options for "Personal Income Tax," and when asked for your SSN/EIN, do not enter it, instead saying "representative" or repeating options until transferred to an agent, preferably calling early mornings on weekdays. Be patient and have specific questions ready, as the automated system tries to handle calls first.
You can check on refund status by phone: 1-800-338-0505 or +1 (916) 845-6500 (outside the U.S.) Weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can check on refund status by chat. Sign into MyFTB to chat weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The refund normally takes up to two weeks to receive if you e-filed and up to four weeks for paper return.
The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of the taxpayer's e-filed return.
Timing makes a huge difference when you contact the IRS by phone. The shortest queues tend to occur early weekday mornings—between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.—and midweek (Tuesday through Thursday). Avoid Mondays, Fridays, and dates near filing deadlines when hold times spike.
If you never received your tax refund
To replace a lost or stolen tax refund check, you can request a refund trace in the IRS Where's My Refund tool. You will need to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund.
For individual tax returns, call 1-800-829-1040, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time. The wait time to speak with a representative may be long. This option works best for less complex questions. For questions about a business tax return, call 1-800-829-4933, 7 AM - 7 PM Monday through Friday local time.
There's no strict maximum limit for how long the IRS can hold a refund, but they must pay interest after 45 days; while most e-filed returns take 21 days, returns needing extra review for errors, fraud, or certain credits (like EITC/ACTC) can take months (45-180+ days), and amended returns can take 8-16 weeks, with unfiled returns having an indefinite delay until filed.
Usually, it takes 4-5 weeks for the refund to be credited to the account of the taxpayer. However, if refund is not received during this duration, the taxpayer must check for intimation regarding discrepancies in ITR; check email for any notification from the IT department regarding the refund.
Your refund is still being processed because of errors, incomplete information, suspected identity theft, complex credits (like EITC/ACTC), or a backlog, requiring extra review beyond the typical 21 days, with status updates available on the IRS Where's My Refund tool. Common causes include math errors, missing signatures, mismatched info, or claiming certain credits that trigger extra scrutiny.
Visit www.irs.gov/paymentplan for more information on installment agreements and online payment agreements. You can also call us at 1- 800-829-0922 to discuss your options. For information on how to obtain your current account balance or payment history, go to www.irs.gov/balancedue.
The IRS Where's My Refund tool updates once daily, usually overnight, so checking more often isn't necessary; you'll see status changes as your return moves from "Refund Received" to "Refund Approved" and then "Refund Sent," with most e-filed refunds issued within 21 days, but it can take longer if there are errors or extra review needed.
Use Where's My Refund, call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).
If the IRS is reviewing your return, it may have questions about your wages and withholding, or credits or expenses shown on your tax return. The review process could take anywhere from 45 to 180 days, depending on the number and types of issues the IRS is reviewing.
In case of refund failure, taxpayer can raise the service request in e-Filing portal upon receiving communication from CPC. Go to Services ' menu and click on 'Refund reissue'. Create Refund Reissue request. You will get the details of Assessment Year for which refund got failed.
Calling the IRS: Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 . If the IRS has processed your return, the system will tell you the date your refund will be sent. The IRS suggests you should call about your: E-filed return: 3 weeks after you filed it.
For many taxpayers the most frustrating part about doing their taxes is getting ahold of a real person at the IRS. The IRS is understaffed and unprepared to take on the daily volume of phone calls they receive.
The main 2025 tax refund delay reasons include errors or incomplete information on returns, claims for the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, identity verification processes, amended returns, and offsets for outstanding debts. Paper returns and bank processing times can also contribute to delays.
The IRS uses a combination of automated and human processes to select which tax returns to audit. Not reporting all of your income is an easy-to-avoid red flag that can lead to an audit. Taking excessive business tax deductions and mixing business and personal expenses can lead to an audit.
IRS phone numbers for tax refund assistance
To check the status of a tax refund: 800-829-1954. This is an automated service that is available 24/7.
You should only call about your:
Paper return: 6 weeks after you mailed it. Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation: 12 weeks for e-filed and 14 weeks for paper return filing. Refund: If the Where's My Refund? tool directs you to contact us.