Here’s the easiest way to track your paper tax refund check

The quickest and easiest way to get your 2025 tax return is through Apply online and choose direct deposit. Via your deposit Tax return Electronically with the IRS, you’ll get your refund within 21 days on average. If you prefer a more practical method, you can send the file via regular mail and easily track the paper check by getting notices from the US Postal Service.

Typically, a paper check will take three to eight weeks to arrive in your mailbox, but you can track exactly where your tax refund is and when you can expect to receive it using the USPS tracking tool, Informed Delivery. The free service sends you alerts about all new mail and provides pictures of the front of the envelopes.

USPS Informed Delivery is easy to set up and use — and we’ll show you exactly how to do it. Learn more about The earliest and latest you can file your taxes is in 2025And what countries have it? Tax deadlines other than April 15.

How does informed delivery work?

USPS Informed Delivery is a free mail tracking service that automatically scans your inbox and sends you a photo of every mailing envelope containing your address, so you know what will be delivered and when.

When the US Postal Service processes mail through its automated sorting system, it creates a digital image of the front of all letter-sized mail. (This does not include magazines, boxes, and large envelopes.) If you sign up for Informed Delivery, you can take advantage of this tool by receiving notifications when mail addressed to you is on its way. You will receive an email every morning, Monday through Saturday – excluding federal holidays – containing details about upcoming mail delivery. The email message includes a grayscale image in front of each letter.

Informed Delivery offers free apps for both Android and iOS Users receive updates to their inbox. Keep in mind that it may take up to three days to activate your account.

If you’re tired of receiving notifications about every piece of mail scanned by the post office, you can cancel the service at any time.

Keep reading for more information on how to sign up for Enlightened Delivery.

Track parcels with Informed Delivery

You can also track the delivery status of boxes and parcels with Informed Delivery. Informed Delivery cannot provide photos of incoming packages, but it will track them and allow you to add an electronic signature to receive packages when you are not home.

How to set up notifications for USPS Informed Delivery

You can set up informed delivery and notifications in a few short steps. First, head to USPS Informed Delivery page.

1. Click Register for free button.

2. Next, enter your email address, then select your email Account type. You can set up a personal account for residential mail or a business account to manage mail at a business address.

3. Type your mailing address and make sure that the service is available at your address. Then agree to the terms and conditions.

4. Choose your username, password, and security questions. Enter your contact information.

5. You will need to verify your identity. handle Online identity verification If you want to receive a verification code on your phone or tap Request invitation code By mail if you want the post office to mail you a code. You may also have the option of visiting a post office to verify your identity in person.

The limits of informed delivery

Informed delivery has some limitations. In addition to not being able to send photos of your packages, informed delivery is not available for some multi-unit apartment buildings as the post office has not yet identified each unit. You can check if Enlightened Delivery is available in your area on the Enlightened Delivery website.

For more tax tips, see How will the standard deduction and income brackets change in 2025?.