admin
24 Comments
Jun 7, 2013
You’ve got the questions. We’ve got the answers.
The best way to check your return’s status is to use the Where’s My Refund tool on the IRS website.
Don’t call the IRS unless Where’s My Refund tells you to. Calling the IRS unnecessarily will just bog them down and make things slower for everyone, including you.
The IRS updates statuses on Where’s My Refund every 24 hours – usually at night – so you only need to check once a day. Checking more often is not only unnecessary but could cause the entire system to crash, preventing you from being able to check your status at all.
Before you check your status you should wait 24-72 hours after e-filing or 3-4 weeks after mailing a paper return to give the IRS time to receive and process your return.
In order to access your refund status you will need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. This means you will probably need a copy of your return handy.
How long does it usually take to get a refund?
The IRS claims that most refunds are issued within 21 calendar days of receiving an e-filed return. For the most part, they’re pretty good. However, don’t be surprised if you experience a delay of several weeks or even months, as they are relatively common. This is especially true since the IRS has really been hammering down on identity theft.
Note that refunds from a paper return take 6 to 8 weeks to process. This means that the absolute fastest way to get your refund is to e-file.
What are some causes of delay?
If your refund takes longer than 21 days, the delayed could be caused by a variety of reasons:
- IRS backlog – When most people don’t get their refund within the estimated time range they begin to panic and assume they’re being audited. However, most of the time it’s just general IRS incompetence. Expect processing to be delayed during busy times, especially if you file right after e-file opens in January or right before the April deadline.
- Incorrect info – One of the biggest causes of preventable delays is incorrect information, and not about the complicated tax stuff, about basic personal info. Before you e-file your return make sure your name, Social Security number, address, and direct deposit bank account details are all correct. A simple typo could result in a delayed refund.
- PATH Act Tax Related – The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act was put into action for the 2017 tax season. What does this mean for you? If you claimed the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) or ACTC (Additional Child Tax Credit) on your 2016 tax return, you won’t see your refund until after February 15th, 2017. Why? The IRS is taking additional steps in stopping fraudulent returns from being filed.
There’s an app for that…
The IRS also has a mobile app, IRS2Go. Ya know, if you really need to check the status of your refund… like right now.
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24 Responses to “How Do I Check My Federal Tax Return Status?”
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Comments(24)
Christina Torrez.,
Jul 14, 2014
Cani check on a back tax refund check for 2011 2012?
rick
May 24, 2015
No, it only works for current year returns.
Steve Negi
Apr 23, 2015
Check on status of my tax return
admin
May 11, 2015
Hi Steve,
We would be more than happy to help you check the status of your return. If you are expecting a refund, you can always use the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool. This will allow you to enter a few important pieces of information and then provide you with a refund status. If you are unable to retrieve a status, please feel free to contact our tax professionals directly and we will do our best to help.
Maxine George
Sep 22, 2016
I filed in February they sent sent me notice they needed copies of first 2 pages sent this back March 30,2016. Still haven’t gotten any thing can you please respond
admin
Oct 21, 2016
Hi Maxine,
I suggest contacting the IRS directly regarding the notice they sent you. Since you filed back in February, they should have no problem researching the issue and giving you a status update.
sheila l. spates
May 29, 2015
I have been checking my refund status on where’s my refund, but it’s giving me no answers. My refund was mail on April 18, 2015 and it has been four weeks and some so can someone please tell me what’s going on please.
Thank you
Sheila L. Spates
admin
Jun 1, 2015
Hi Sheila,
Since it has exceeded the 21 day threshold and there has been no status update on the IRS Where’s My Refund tool, the IRS insists that you contact them directly. The only way the IRS will contact you is by mail so you want to be sure to check this daily as well. If you give them a call, they should be able to give you an update on your refund or let you know if there was an issue with your return.
sue
Jun 1, 2015
How to check status on previous year taxes that were accepted may 5th – waiting on tax trascripts that were involved in fraud for same year – 2013… Purchasing a house and process very slow especially now that 100,000 others had tax fruad as well. Very difficult to get through via phone
admin
Jun 22, 2015
Hi Sue,
Unfortunately, the Where’s My Refund tool does not apply to prior year tax returns. The only way to check on the status of your 2013 tax return would be to call the IRS directly. If you are having trouble getting through, you may want to contact your local IRS office.
Carlee
Mar 22, 2017
A plalnisgey rational answer. Good to hear from you.
heidi
Aug 3, 2015
How do I find out about my 2011 refund that I have not received?
admin
Aug 3, 2015
Hi Heidi,
Unfortunately, the IRS’ Where’s My Refund tool only applies to current year tax refunds. The IRS insists that you contact them directly about any prior year tax return refund statuses.
julie rich
Apr 14, 2016
i still havent recived my federal taxes return and i tryed to call them and they said they have no info for me and it has been almost a month i would like to know where it is
admin
Apr 15, 2016
Hi Julie,
I strongly suggest contacting the IRS again. I know it can be frustrating to wait on hold only to hear that they have no information for you. However, the IRS states that after 21 days, they will do further research on your return (as long as you e-filed) to see the ETA on your refund or if they need additional information from you to process your return. If you did mail your return in, then they will do this further research after 6 weeks of filing.
Brenda
Mar 27, 2017
I efiled my tax return two weeks ago, shows the file was excepted, I owed money so I put the amount on my charge card. as of today they have not charged my account the amount I owed, Could you please let me know how long it normally takes for the IRS TO collect their money
admin
Apr 3, 2017
Once your return has been accepted, the IRS usually deducts the amount you owe provided that you have set up a payment agreement with the IRS. I advise you check that you provided the correct account information for your charge card. It would be in your best interest to follow up with an IRS representative in order to pay your income tax liability before you are subject to any interest.
Brenda
Mar 27, 2017
I efiled my tax return two weeks ago, shows the file was excepted, I owed money so I put the amount on my charge card. as of today they have not charged my account the amount I owed, Could you please let me know how long it normally takes for the IRS TO collect their money
admin
Mar 29, 2017
Generally, the IRS directly debits your account once your return is accepted. If you set up a payment plan, your account will be debited on the date specified on your Installment Agreement.
It would be in your best interest to contact your tax preparer to determine if your direct debit information was correctly included on your return. If you are required to set up another method of payment, you can do so via the following link provided by the IRS Pay my federal tax due
You can also opt to contact the IRS for more information.
Limo Vancouver BC
Apr 7, 2017
I was suggested this blog via my cousin. I’m now not certain whether or not this post is written by him as no one else understood such exact approximately to my situation. You are incredible! Thank you!
Ossie Campau
May 13, 2017
This website was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Cheers!|
Cars Script
Sep 3, 2017
Thank you for another wonderful article. Wherever else could anyone get that kind of info in this type of an ideal way of writing? I’ve got a presentation next week, and Im round the search for these info.
Maureen O’Doherty
Jul 18, 2018
I filed my 2017 taxes 3/18. I’ve received no response & no refund from state or Federal. Of course, I will have to search to see who filed for me on-line & I will need to apparently find the exact dollar amount(s). In the meantime, can you help?
Jamesldean
Apr 23, 2019
when will I receive my federal refund check