Waiting for your tax refund can be like waiting for Christmas morning when you were a kid. You know it’s coming, but it’s not coming quick enough. Whether you plan to save the money, use the money to pay bills or buy that new gadget you’ve had your eye on all year, you won’t be satisfied until the cash is in your hand — or bank account. Luckily, the IRS makes it fairly easy to keep up with the status of your tax refund via phone or Internet. Here’s how to check:
Visit the IRS Website
The easiest way to check the status of your tax refund is to do it online. Start by heading to the IRS website at Irs.gov. you’ll see several options on the homepage regarding filing your taxes, paying your taxes, refunds, credits and deductions, access to forms, information for tax professionals, EIN numbers and much more. Select either “Refunds” at the top of the page or “Refund Status” below it. Both take you to the IRS Refunds page.
Opt to Check Your Refund Status
Once you’ve arrived on the IRS refunds page, you can opt to check your status. If you’re on a mobile device, you can download the IRS2Go app to keep tabs on your refund status and other important tax information. If you just want to use your browser, either one your computer or your mobile device, simply click “Check My Refund Status.” don’t forget to read over the list of information you’ll need, including your Social Security or ITIN number, your filing status and your exact refund amount.
Make Sure you’re Give It Enough TIme
Before you check your refund status, you may want to make sure the IRS has even had time to receive your information from when you filed your taxes. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time. Most refunds are issued within 21 days of filing, from the time the IRS receives your paperwork. You can begin checking your refund status 24 hours after you’ve e-filed or four weeks after you’ve mailed in your taxes. Most updates occur overnight every 24 hours.
Enter Your Information
If you’ve verified that you’re within the right time frame, you can go ahead and check your refund status. you’ll need to enter your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married-filing joint return, married-filing separate return, head of household or qualifying widower) and your exact refund amount down to the dollar. All of this information must match exactly what it says on the tax forms you filed. After you’ve filled it in, click “submit” and wait for your status.
Calling for Your Tax Refund Status
If you’d prefer to call to check the status of your refund, you can contact the IRS Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954. you’ll need the exact same information (filing status, social security number and refund amount) you needed to do it online. The hotline is automated and available 24 hours a day. If you need live assistance, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. However, the IRS does not recommend using this number to check your refund status unless it’s been 21 days since you e-filed, it’s been six weeks since you mailed your return or you received a notice when you attempted to check your status online or via phone.
