The Internal Revenue Service’s “Where’s My Refund? ” online tool is a convenient way to check the status of tax refunds. The tool is also available on IRS2Go, the mobile app from the IRS.
According to the IRS, information for the most current tax year filed is generally available within 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of a taxpayer’s e-filed return. Those that filed a paper return should allow four weeks before checking the status.
How to Use the “Where’s My Refund” Online Tool
To use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool the tax payer must enter the following information:
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number
- filing status
- exact whole dollar amount of their expected refund from the original tax return for the year they’re checking
A sample of the tool’s online form is below:
According to the IRS, the tool is updated once a day, usually overnight. Taxpayers will get personalized refund information based on the status of their tax return.
The tool will provide an actual refund date once the IRS processes the return and approves the refund. It will display the progress of a return and refund through three phases:
- Return received
- Refund approved
- Refund sent
Quickest Way to Receive Tax Refund
The IRS recommends filing electronically and using direct deposit as the quickest way to get a refund. While most refunds are issued in less than 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit, some refunds may take longer.
What Could Delay a Tax Refund from the IRS?
Many different factors can affect the timing of a refund, such as if the return has errors, is incomplete or is affected by identity theft or fraud.
Other causes for delays:
- the return may require additional review.
- the return needs a correction to the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.
The IRS can only research the status of a refund by phone or a walk-in to an IRS location if:
- 21 days or more have passed since it was filed electronically.
- Six weeks or more have passed since a return was mailed.
- Where’s My Refund? tells the taxpayer to contact the IRS.
To use the online tool, go to: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
To access the IRS mobile app, IRS2Go, go here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp