During tax season in the United States, taxpayers strive to submit their returns as accurately as possible to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

IRS layoffs are expected to bring disruptions to a busy tax season; experts and politicians say it is even more important to file early this year.

There are three status updates which the taxpayer might see: “received return,” “refund approved,” or “refund sent.” If the refund has been sent, it could be up to 5 days before the money shows up in your bank account or a few weeks before your check has been received.