### How to Monitor Your 2024 Tax Refund

The deadline to **submit your 2024 taxes** is still a few months away, but that shouldn’t deter you from acting sooner. There are numerous swift and complimentary methods to file your taxes early.

If you’re anticipating a significant refund, submitting your return earlier guarantees that you can monitor your check or direct deposit as soon as it’s processed.

### Can You Monitor Your Tax Refund?

Absolutely! Whether you file electronically or via mail, the IRS offers resources to check the status of your refund.

– **Electronically filed current-year returns:** Status updated within 24 hours.
– **Electronically filed prior-year returns:** Status updated in 3-4 days.
– **Paper-filed returns:** Status updated after 4 weeks.

The IRS refreshes refund data **daily, overnight**, so it’s advisable to check frequently if you have concerns. You can also utilize the **[IRS2Go app](https://www.irs.gov/help/irs2goapp)** to keep track of your return, make changes, and follow your refund.

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### How to Verify Your Refund Status

#### **What You’ll Need:**
– A computer or the IRS2Go app
– Your **Social Security Number (SSN)** or **Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)**
– Your **filing status**
– The **exact refund amount** from your return

#### **Step 1: Access the IRS Refund Status Page**
Navigate to the **[Where’s My Refund?](https://sa.www4.irs.gov/wmr/)** website.

#### **Step 2: Input Your Information**
Enter your **SSN or ITIN**, **filing status**, and **exact refund amount** from your return.

#### **Step 3: Monitor Your Refund Status**
After submission, the page will show one of three statuses:

– **Return Received:** The IRS is still processing your return.
– **Refund Approved:** Your refund has been authorized and is being prepared for release. A date will be indicated for when it’s expected to be issued.
– **Refund Sent:** Your refund has been dispatched to your bank or mailed. It may take **up to 5 days** to reflect in your bank account or **several weeks** if sent via mail.

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### Need Assistance?

If the refund status page reveals an issue, you may need to **[reach out to the IRS](https://www.irs.gov/help/let-us-help-you)** directly. If you find yourself stuck in automated responses, here’s **[how to speak to a live representative at the IRS](https://mashable.com/article/how-to-talk-to-a-human-at-the-irs)** for support.

By monitoring your refund early, you can remain updated and ensure you receive your funds as quickly as possible!