How to Claim Your Tax Refund Check
If you didn't claim allowable expenses on your federal income tax return or your employer withheld too much in tax, you've paid excess taxes to the government. The government has your money. Essentially you've loaned the money to the government at no interest. You're entitled to a refund of all federal taxes overpaid.
On your federal tax return you can indicate whether you want your refund as a direct deposit in your bank account or as a check. You're also permitted to have the refund credited to next year's federal tax return, lowering tax liability for the following year.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Beware of Scams
-
1
If you requested a tax refund check and didn't receive it, you can inquire about the status of the refund directly to the IRS or track your refund on the IRS website.
-
2
The IRS makes a simple form available online by which a taxpayer can track a refund. To fill out the form, the taxpayer will need a Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing joint return, married filing separate return, head of household or qualifying widow or widower), and the exact dollar amount of the refund. Once the form is submitted, the IRS promises to provide information about the refund within 72 hours.
-
-
3
If you've moved and the IRS was unable to deliver your check, you can change your address online. If you don't receive your refund within 28 days from the date when you filed the form requesting refund information, you can start a refund trace online.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
A taxpayer should beware of tax scams online. The IRS never initiates emails. Any email you receive requesting information about your tax refund could be a scam, and the IRS would wants to know about it. A taxpayer has to begin the refund tracking process and has to provide complete information before the IRS will respond.
A request to track a refund is simple and straightforward. You should not need the services of a tax professional or a tax attorney, because the request doesn't involve a controversy. If you overpaid, you should get the refund promptly.
