Tracking your paper tax refund check when it’s coming in the mail is quite straightforward if you take advantage of the tools and resources provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do so.

1. Visit the IRS Website: The first step to track your refund is to go to the official IRS website. The IRS provides a tool called “Where’s My Refund?” which can be found at irs.gov/refunds.

2. Information You’ll Need: To use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, you will need your Social Security number, your filing status (such as single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact amount of your tax refund as shown on your tax return.

3. Checking Your Refund Status: Enter the required information into the tool. It will provide you with one of several statuses: Received, Approved, or Sent. Once it reaches “Sent”, it means your check is on its way.

4. Direct Deposit vs Mail: If you opted for a direct deposit, that’s typically faster than a mailed check. For checks sent through standard mail, after the “Sent” status appears on “Where’s My Refund?”, it usually takes several weeks for mail delivery.

5. Informed Delivery by USPS: Sign up for Informed Delivery through the United States Postal Service (USPS). This free service allows you to view grayscale images of the exterior of letter-sized mailpieces and manage your packages scheduled to arrive soon.

6. Mail Delays: If there are postal delays or if you haven’t received your check within 28 days from the mailed date shown on “Where’s My Refund?”, you can request a payment trace with the IRS by calling 800-829-1954 or submitting Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund.

By taking these steps and utilizing available resources like the “Where’s My Refund?” tool and USPS’s Informed Delivery service, you can efficiently track your paper tax refund check throughout its journey in the mail system.