“Where’s My Refund” Resources

After you file your federal tax return, you may find yourself asking this question: ‘where’s my refund?’

If you are like most taxpayers, you want to receive your money from the IRS sooner rather than later. But before you start getting antsy and frustrated, remember that the IRS has to process millions of tax refunds every year. On top of that, if you mailed your return at the Post Office (rather than filing electronically), note that it will take longer to process.

There is one main ‘where’s my refund’ resource that you can rely on. The Where’s My Refund? System is designed for taxpayers and managed by the IRS. With this online tool, you can track down the status of your tax refund and get a better idea of when it will arrive. At this point, you may not have your refund in-hand, but at least you know when to expect it.

The Where’s My Refund? system will only give you access to refund information for the most recent tax year. Once the IRS acknowledges receipt of your return, you will be able to check on your refund. If you filed electronically, you can use the Where’s My Refund? system within 72 hours after you submit your return. On the other hand, if you mailed your return, you should expect to wait 3 or more weeks before gaining access.

To use the Where’s My Refund? system, you will need to provide some information from your tax return. This includes your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact dollar amount of the refund you’re expecting. If you are missing any of this information, you will need to locate it before attempting to use the Where’s My Refund? tool.

Information That Is Not Available

While the IRS’ Where’s My Refund? is a great program for taxpayers, there is some information that will not provide. Firstly, Where’s My Refund? does not look into refunds for amended tax returns (Form 1040X) ? note that amended returns can take 12 weeks or more to process. The system does not track refunds on business tax returns either.

You can only use the Where’s My Refund? tool to inquire about information from the most recent tax year in which you filed. If you need assistance regarding previous years’ refunds, you will need to contact the IRS directly.

If you file your return before July 1, your information will stay in the Where’s My Refund? system until early December. Those who file after July 1 will find that their information is available throughout the next tax year ? until their next return is filed.

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