After submitting your tax return, it’s natural to eagerly anticipate your refund or keep track of its progress if you owe taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a convenient online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” that allows taxpayers to check the status of their tax return and estimated refund date. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the Where’s My Refund? tool and other methods to determine if the IRS has received your tax return.
Using the Where’s My Refund? Tool
Step 1: Gather Necessary Information
To use the Where’s My Refund? tool, you will need the following information:
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Tax filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
- Exact refund amount claimed on your tax return
Step 2: Access the Where’s My Refund? Tool
You can access the Where’s My Refund? tool in two ways:
- Online: Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov and click on the “Where’s My Refund?” link.
- Mobile App: Download the IRS2Go app on your smartphone or tablet.
Step 3: Enter Your Information
Once you have accessed the Where’s My Refund? tool, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, tax filing status, and refund amount.
Step 4: Check Your Refund Status
The tool will display the status of your tax return in one of three phases:
- Return Received: The IRS has received your tax return but has not yet begun processing it.
- Refund Approved: The IRS has processed your return and approved your refund.
- Refund Sent: The IRS has sent your refund via direct deposit or mail.
Alternative Methods to Check Your Tax Return Status
If you are unable to use the Where’s My Refund? tool, you can also check the status of your tax return by:
- Calling the IRS: You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to speak to a customer service representative. However, wait times can be long, especially during tax season.
- Checking Your IRS Online Account: If you have an IRS online account, you can log in to view the status of your tax return and other account information.
- Mailing the IRS: You can mail a written inquiry to the IRS at the following address:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: Return Processing
333 W. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the IRS to process my tax return?
The processing time for tax returns varies depending on factors such as the complexity of your return and the time of year. However, the IRS generally aims to process most returns within 21 days of receipt.
What does it mean if my refund status is “still processing”?
If your refund status is “still processing,” it means that the IRS is still reviewing your return. This could be due to various reasons, such as errors or missing information on your return.
Can I track the status of my paper tax return?
No, the Where’s My Refund? tool can only track the status of electronically filed tax returns. If you filed your return by mail, you will need to use one of the alternative methods mentioned above to check its status.
Checking the status of your tax return is a convenient way to stay informed about the progress of your refund or tax liability. By utilizing the Where’s My Refund? tool or other available methods, you can easily track the status of your return and receive updates on its processing.
How To Check Your Tax Return Status From The IRS!
FAQ
How do I confirm the IRS received my tax return?
What if IRS did not receive my tax return?
How long does it take IRS to process tax return?
What does it mean if IRS accepted my return?
How do I check if my tax refund was received?
See if your federal or state tax return was received. You can check regardless of how you filed or whether you owe taxes or will receive a refund. If you are receiving a tax refund, check its status using the IRS Where’s My Refund tool. You can view the status of your refund for the past 3 tax years.
How do I know if my tax return is processed?
If we need more information to process your return, we’ll send you a letter. See your personalized refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. See your status starting around 24 hours after you e-file or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return.
When can I Check my tax refund status?
Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received. The tool also provides a personalized refund date after the return is processed and a refund is approved. Their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number
Do I need to call the IRS to check refund status?
There’s no need to call the IRS to check on refund status unless it’s been more than 21 days since they filed the return, or the tool says the IRS can provide more information. Taxpayers can log in to their Online Account to find their prior year adjusted gross income, balance due and other account information.