The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides taxpayers with a convenient online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” that allows them to track the status of their federal income tax refunds. This tool provides personalized refund information based on the processing of the taxpayer’s tax return and is updated regularly to reflect the progress of the refund.
Frequency of Updates
The IRS updates the “Where’s My Refund?” tool once a day, typically overnight. This means that taxpayers can check the status of their refund once per day to get the most up-to-date information.
Benefits of Regular Updates
Regular updates to the “Where’s My Refund?” tool provide several benefits to taxpayers:
- Accurate Refund Information: Taxpayers can obtain the most accurate and current information about the status of their refund, including whether it has been received, approved, or sent.
- Reduced Need for Contacting the IRS: By providing daily updates, the tool reduces the need for taxpayers to contact the IRS for refund status updates. This frees up IRS resources and allows taxpayers to get the information they need conveniently.
- Peace of Mind: Regular updates provide taxpayers with peace of mind by allowing them to track the progress of their refund and know when to expect it.
Tips for Using “Where’s My Refund?”
To effectively use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, taxpayers should:
- Have Tax Return Information Ready: Taxpayers should have their Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of their expected refund from their original tax return readily available.
- Check Once Per Day: Taxpayers should check the tool once per day, typically in the evening, to get the most up-to-date refund status.
- Avoid Multiple Checks: Checking the tool multiple times per day will not provide any additional information and may result in unnecessary delays.
- Contact the IRS When Prompted: If the “Where’s My Refund?” tool instructs taxpayers to contact the IRS, they should follow the instructions provided to obtain further assistance.
The IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool is a valuable resource for taxpayers to track the status of their federal income tax refunds. The tool is updated once a day, usually overnight, to provide taxpayers with the most accurate and up-to-date information. By using the tool effectively, taxpayers can reduce the need to contact the IRS, get peace of mind, and stay informed about the progress of their refund.
IRS Tax Refund Update – Delays and Smaller Refunds
FAQ
What times does IRS update refund status?
How long does it take IRS to approve refund after accepted?
What day of the week does IRS deposit refunds?
How long can the IRS hold your refund for review?
When will I get my tax refund?
If you’re an early filer who claimed the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit, the IRS cannot issue your tax refund before mid-February by law. In 2024, if you chose direct deposit as your refund method and your return is error-free, the IRS estimates you’ll receive your refund by Feb. 27.
How long does it take for a refund to be approved?
Processing times vary depending on the information submitted on your tax return, but most returns change from return received to refund approved after only a few days. Does Where’s My Refund? always display my refund status showing the different stages of return received, refund approved and refund sent?
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 has been more than 21 days since the return was filed or the tool says the IRS can provide more information. If the IRS needs more information to process the return, the taxpayer will be contacted by mail.
How long does it take to get a tax refund?
Four weeks after mailing a paper return. Taxpayers should note that the IRS updates the tool once a day, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check more often. The IRS reminds taxpayers that the fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and using direct deposit. Many different factors may affect the timing of refund delivery: