Where’s My Refund? – Track Your Tax Refund

Waiting for your tax refund to find its way to your mailbox or your bank account can be difficult if you are tight on cash and really need the money, or even if you are just looking forward to spending it. You want to know when you can realistically expect to receive it. The IRS has an online tool that makes it easy to check the status of your refund. There is also a procedure to track down missing refunds if your refund does not arrive within the expected time frame.

“Where’s My Refund?” Online Tool

The IRS indicates that it will pay most refunds within three weeks if you choose direct deposit and have filed your tax return electronically. Refunds can take six to eight weeks if you file a paper return. Where’s My Refund? on the IRS website to check the status of your refund. The tool is updated every 24 hours. You will need to have some information on hand:

1. Your Social Security number or Employer Identification Number as it appears on your tax return

2. The filing status you claimed on your return: single, head of household, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or qualifying widow(er)

3. The exact refund amount as shown on your tax return

If your refund is approved, you should see an estimated date for deposit into your bank account. There should also be a separate date for when you should contact your bank if you have not received your refund by then. Discover on the next page when your refund is available.