During the spring of every year you will find most Americans anxiously awaiting their federal tax refund. The federal tax refund is usually how most families go on vacation, get that new pool installed or buy a new vehicle for family getaways. The problem is that the wait for that tax refund can sometimes be too much to bear and people want to know in advance when their refund will be mailed. Luckily, the IRS has devised a few different ways that people can use to check the status of their refund.
When Can I Get Information On My Refund?
If you filed your federal tax return online, then you should be able to get information on your refund 72 hours after you filed. If there is a federal holiday in that 72-hour range, then that might delay the information. If you mailed a paper return, then it normally takes three to four weeks before you can check on your refund status. You are more than welcome to check on your refund any time you want, but the information might not yet be processed if you check too early.
The Information You Will Need
In order to access your refund information, you will need some information on hand no matter how you contact the IRS. Important data such as the amount of your refund and all of the social security numbers found on the return will be essential. You will also need to indicate the filing status you used for your return to get your refund information.
Checking Online
The fastest way to check the status of your refund is to go to www.IRS.gov and check online. You can use this method to check your refund status no matter how you filed. Your responses will either be that your return has not been received, your return is being processed or the direct deposit or mailing date of your refund. When you file your federal taxes, you get to choose how you receive your refund. The fastest method is direct deposit, but some people still like getting that check in the mail.
You can also use the IRS’ online “Where’s My Refund” service at www.IRS.gov to correct your mailing address on your return if it is wrong, and start a trace on your refund if you do not get it one month after the arrival date you were given.
Toll-Free Phone Number
The IRS offers a toll-free phone number for people who want to check their refunds without using the Internet. The phone numbers you can use are 800-829-1954 or 800-829-1477. Both numbers use automatic menus and offer information in Spanish and English.
Smartphone App
If you have a smartphone or tablet, then you can use the IRS2Go app to track your refund. The app allows you access to your IRS account to check or change just about anything to do with your account, and it is also a great resource for easily checking on your refund status.
The IRS wants you to have your refund as soon as possible, and that is why the IRS has made it so easy to check on your refund status. With the tools in place, you can find out when you will get your refund or easily file the right paperwork to trace your refund if it does not arrive.
Jim Treebold is a North Carolina based writer. He lives by the mantra of “Learn 1 new thing each day”! Jim loves to write, read, pedal around on his electric bike and dream of big things. Drop him a line if you like his writing, he loves hearing from his readers!