If you are expecting a refund this year, there are several things you should know about checking the status of a successfully filed (accepted) return.

You can check the status of your refund online by going to Where's My Refund on the IRS website. You will need to have your SSN, filing status, and exact whole-dollar refund amount to be able to check the status online (enter $1 if you owed money to the IRS). You have the ability to check the status of your refund 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The IRS updates Where's My Refund once a day, usually at night. If you check the status of your refund and are not given an refund issuance date, wait until the next day before checking again.

If you e-file your return, you can usually check the status of your refund within 72 hours after it has been accepted. During peak times it can be longer before your status is shown. If you paper file your return, you will need to wait three to four weeks after you have mailed your return before checking the status of your refund.

When you check Where's My Refund, you will be able to see the acknowledgement that your return was received and is in processing. You will also see the status of your refund.

You can also check your refund status by calling the IRS Refund Hotline (1-800-829-1954). You must provide the primary or secondary SSN, filing status, and the exact whole-dollar refund amount shown on your return.