Start with the IRS refund tracker first
If you are checking federal tax refund status, the first question is usually when the return was filed and whether it was submitted electronically or by paper. The IRS typically makes status information available sooner for e-filed returns than for paper returns.
In practical terms, refund tracking may begin around 24 hours after an e-filed current-year return appears in the system, while paper returns can take much longer before progress becomes visible.