The IRS says the easiest and most efficient way to file and receive a refund is through electronic filing and direct deposit, with 3 ways to check refund status

While the Internal Revenue Service began accepting returns late last month, it still might be too early to expect a refund in your bank account. Luckily, you can track the status of your refund through the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund” tool.

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.