The IRS has a new, improved “Where’s My Refund?” site which was launched on January 30 for taxpayers. The tool includes a tracker that displays progress through 3 stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved and (3) Refund Sent.

In 2013 taxpayers will be able to start checking on the status of their return sooner— within 24 hours after the IRS has received a taxpayer’s e-filed return, or four weeks after they mail a paper return. IRS will provide e-mail notifications to the taxpayer if the service is enabled of the status of their return through 3 stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved and (3) Refund Sent.