"Where is my IRS refund?" Here's what to know from the IRS about tracking a refund, when it might appear and where to have a refund sent.

If you have already filed your income taxes this year, you may be wondering when you’ll receive your refund. Last week, the Internal Revenue Service began accepting returns, and refunds are starting to be processed.

The "Where's My Refund" tool provides daily updates on the status of your refund and when you can expect it in your bank account.

The IRS began processing tax returns Monday. For filers who submit their returns electronically using direct deposit, refunds are generally issued in less than 21 days. There is a caution from the tax agency, however, that urges “taxpayers not to rely on receiving refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.

If you are eligible for a tax refund, filing earlier could mean your rebate will be paid quicker, but it’s possible your return may require additional review and take longer to process. The deadline to file your taxes this year — both federal and in North Carolina — is April 15.

"Tax return" and "tax refund" do sound similar, and you may have even heard someone say they've received their tax return from the IRS when really they're referring to their tax r