There are three status updates which the taxpayer might see: “received return,” “refund approved,” or “refund sent.” If the refund has been sent, it could be up to 5 days before the money shows up in your bank account or a few weeks before your check has been received.

The "Where's My Refund?" service offered by the IRS enables taxpayers who have filed their returns to learn about the status of their refund payment.

IRS tax refund may arrive sooner than you think. Here’s a schedule for when you can expect your check or direct deposit.