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

The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the federal deadline. The IRS urges taxpayers to always use direct deposit for their refunds.

If you already filed, you can check the status of your federal tax refund on the dedicated IRS webpage. You'll need your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number, your filing status, and the exact refund amount on your return.

The IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.

Visit the tracker page on the IRS website and click the Check your refund button. Once directed to the Refund Status page, enter your details and click Submit. You should be directed to your refund status. Note that it takes 24 hours after you e-file your return or four weeks after you file a paper tax return for your status to appear.

The IRS is accepting returns now through April 15. Here's how to track your refund and calculate how much could come your way.