Where is My Tax Return... and Refund?

The Internal Revenue Service understands that in this "Information Age" in which we live, taxpayers want to know the status of their tax return and most importantly their refund. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool provided by the IRS helps taxpayers determine the status of their return and their refund.

Finding Your Return Status

In as little as twenty-four hours after e-filing your return with us (or within four weeks of mailing your paper return) you can use the "Where’s My Refund?" tool found (here - https://www.irs.gov/refunds). To use the tool, you will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your filing status, and the exact refund amount that you calculated you would receive. When you have this information ready, the tool will walk you through the steps required.

Once the return is processed, you will be able to see the date when your refund will be issued. The vast majority of e-filed federal returns are processed within 21 days of being received, but some need extra review time, which could cause a delay. It’s okay to check the site multiple times, but note that it will not be updated more than once every 24 hours. This update typically occurs overnight.

Is My Refund Late?

If it has been 21 days or more since you filed your tax return electronically with us (or more than six weeks since you mailed your paper return) the “Where’s My Refund?” tool will give you a phone number to contact the IRS and ask about the status of your return. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return in order to receive information over the phone.

There’s an App for That

The IRS also now has a smart phone app called IRS2Go, which allows taxpayers to check their return status from their phone. All personal information entered into the app is masked and encrypted. It is available for free for both Apple and Android users.