How to Check Your Federal Tax Refund Status

Everyone dreads doing taxes, but everyone loves getting a tax refund. But waiting for that tax refund can be agonizing. Learn how easy it is to check the status of your federal tax refund online so that you know when to expect it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Social Security Number
• Filing Status
• Tax Refund Amount

1. The IRS has set up a free website where you can check the status of your federal tax refund. It is called "Where's My Refund?"(see link under Resources below). If you e-filed your taxes, you can check the status of your tax refund 72 hours after you e-filed. If you mailed in your taxes, you will have to wait 3-4 weeks to check your tax refund status.

2. You will need to provide (1) your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number; (2) Your Filing status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er); and (3) the exact amount of your federal tax refund.

3. Once you have entered the above information, you will be provided with an estimate of when you can expect to receive your federal tax refund.

4. If it shows that the Post Office was unable to deliver your tax refund, you will be given the option to update your address right there on the IRS website.

5. If 28 days have passed since the date that the IRS mailed out your tax refund, as shown on the "Where’s My Refund" website, you will have the option to start a refund trace online.

Tips & Warnings

• You can change your address or start a refund trace on the IRS website "Where’s My Refund?".
• If you do not have access to the internet, or do not feel comfortable using the internet, you can call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to get your tax refund status.
• The IRS never initiates emails, so beware of any emails you received claiming to be from the IRS.

Resources

• Where's My Refund IRS Website
• Report Phishing Scams or fake IRS websites