Now you can check the status of a tax refund in just a few clicks using the Where’s My Refund tool created by the IRS
By far, the question most asked of any tax professional (erroneously, because we have no idea...and no crystal ball) is: Where's my refund? My team and I have to fend off calls asking that on a daily basis. And while we don't know the answer for you, the IRS has made it pretty easy to find out on your own, with an online tool they've created.
Tracking the status of a tax refund is easy with the Where's My Refund? tool. It's available anytime on IRS.gov or through the IRS2Go App. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received.
Refund timing
Where's My Refund provides a personalized date after the return is processed and a refund is approved. While most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, some may take longer if the return requires additional review.
Here are a few reasons a tax refund may take longer:
- The return may include errors or be incomplete.
- The return could be affected by identity theft or fraud.
- Many banks do not process payments on weekends or holidays.
The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process their tax return.
Taxpayers who claimed the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit, can expect to get their refund by March 1 if:
- They file their return online
- They choose to get their refund by direct deposit
- The IRS found no issues with their return
Fast and easy refund updates
Taxpayers can start checking on the status of their return within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an electronically filed return or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a paper return. The tool's tracker displays progress in three phases:
- Return received
- Refund approved
- Refund sent
To use Where's My Refund?, taxpayers must enter their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, their filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of their refund. The IRS updates the tool once a day, usually overnight, so there's no need to check more often.
Calling the IRS won't speed up a tax refund – and calling the Tax Problem Solver won't get you any information about your refund – as mentioned, we have zero information about your tax refund, if you're due one – that's strictly between you and the IRS.
That doesn't mean you don't or won't have any tax problems...and that's where we DO come in. My Tax Problem Solver Team and I are here to assist you in solving your tax matters and help you navigate the murky, difficult waters of issues with the IRS. If you need help with a tax problem, you can contact me by one of the methods in the blue box below, or email me at Larry@TaxProblemSolver.com and we can look into your specific tax problem and solve it. You can also click here to book a free consultation.
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