How to Track Your Tax Refund with the IRS

Are you eagerly awaiting your tax refund? Waiting can be nerve-wracking, but there's a simple way to keep tabs on its progress. The IRS offers a convenient online tool called "Where's My Refund" that allows you to track the status of your refund with ease.

Evangeline Giron

1/21/20245 min read

Are you eagerly awaiting your tax refund? Waiting can be nerve-wracking, but there's a simple way to keep tabs on its progress. The IRS offers a convenient online tool called "Where's My Refund" that allows you to track the status of your refund with ease.

When to Expect Your Refund

The timing of when your refund status will be available depends on how you filed your tax return:

  • If you e-filed a current-year return, you can expect your refund status to appear within 24 hours.

- For prior-year returns filed electronically, it typically takes 3 or 4 days for your refund status to show up.

- If you filed a paper return, it may take up to 4 weeks for your refund status to be available.

How to Check Your Refund

Checking your refund status is a straightforward process. Simply visit the IRS website and use the "Where's My Refund" tool. Information is updated once a day, overnight, so you can stay informed about the progress of your refund.

What You Need

Before you check your refund status, make sure you have the following information on hand:

- Your Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN).

- Your filing status.

- The exact refund amount as shown on your tax return.

Understanding Your Refund Status

"Where's My Refund" provides three main status updates:
1. Return Received: This means the IRS has received your return and is currently processing it.

2. Refund Approved: Your refund has been approved, and the IRS is preparing to issue it by the date indicated.

3. Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent, either to your bank account or by mail. Keep in mind that it may take a few days for the funds to show up in your bank account or several weeks for a paper check to arrive in the mail.

Before Filing a Second Tax Return

If you're tempted to file another tax return in hopes of expediting your refund, think again. Filing a duplicate return typically won't speed up the process and could actually cause delays. Only consider resubmitting your tax return electronically if you meet specific criteria:

- You are due a refund.

- You filed a paper return more than 6 months ago.

- "Where’s My Refund" doesn’t confirm receipt of your return.

When to Seek Assistance

If you're concerned about the status of your refund, the IRS recommends contacting them only if "Where's My Refund" advises you to do so. You can find IRS phone numbers and tax help options on their website.

Dealing with Delayed Refunds

If your refund is taking longer than expected, it may be due to the need for corrections or additional review. In such cases, the IRS will notify you by letter if they require more information to process your return.

By using the "Where's My Refund" tool and understanding the process, you can stay informed and alleviate some of the anxiety associated with waiting for your tax refund.

How to Track Your Tax Refund with the IRS

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