Filing Online

• If you choose to file online and are entitled to a refund, you'll be asked during the filing process if you want to receive the refund via direct deposit into a bank account or via a paper check. The check will be sent to the address you claim on your return, although it may be possible to change the address later using the IRS' online service.
  
  

Where's My Refund?

• The IRS website provides a service called "Where's My Refund?" through which you can check the status of your mailed refund check (see Resources). Follow the on-screen instructions at the website. You'll be asked to provide your taxpayer ID number -- usually your Social Security number -- your filing status and the dollar amount of your refund.
  
  

Inapplicability

• The "Where's My Refund?" service does not apply to refunds claimed on amended tax returns, tax returns for businesses, or tax returns for previous years. For questions about your refund from an amended return, call 800-829-1040; for questions about refunds for businesses, call 800-829-4933.
  
  

Changing Your Address

• You will only be able to change the mailing address for your refund if it has already been returned to the IRS as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service. If this has happened, the "Where's My Refund?" page will tell you and provide a means for you to enter a different address for the check.