When you receive your refund depends on how you submitted your tax return and the payment method you selected for receiving your refund. Learn how to use the different resources available to trace your refund and find out what to do if you don’t receive your refund within the estimated time frame.
Using the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ Tool
The IRS offers a quick way to check the status of your tax refund on its website at IRS.gov. Refunds can be traced by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your tax refund. Depending on how you filed and which tax year you filed, you can see an updated status in as little as one day. Those who filed online can see their status one day after they are received by the IRS for the current tax year, and three to four days after filing online for previous tax return years. Those who mailed their tax returns can check their status four weeks after submitting them in the mail, although there may not be an update for up to six months.
How To Use the IRS2Go Mobile App
Other features on the app include the ability to make tax payments and free access to software that can help you to file your taxes. These features can be used in both English and Spanish.
Calling the IRS
You can also contact the IRS by phone to track your refund. The agency suggests using the hotline 21 days after filing tax online or six months after mailing a tax return. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool may also prompt users to call the number. The hotline is automated and does not provide any other tax-year information besides the current tax year being processed. To use the automated refund hotline, call 800-829-1954 and follow the prompt.
How To Find a Lost Refund Check
If you’ve lost your check in the mail, you’ll need to contact the IRS or submit documentation to get it replaced. You can call 800-829-1954 to speak to a representative for assistance on initiating a refund trace. Those who filed jointly must fill out Form 3911 to start the process. If the check wasn’t cashed, it will simply be canceled; if it was cashed, you’ll be sent a claim package, which needs to be completed before determining if another check can be sent out.
The IRS May Owe You if Payments Are Late or Incomplete
If your tax refund is late or has not been processed, you may be compensated in the form of interest. The amount depends on how long it takes to process the refund. Just as interest accumulates for taxes owed, it also accumulates if a refund is owed to you. The IRS has 45 days to process a tax refund before it begins to accrue interest. The interest rate applied may vary. Accrued interest from the IRS is also subject to taxes for the following tax year. The IRS issues Form 1099-INT to those who received $10 or more in interest.
