How to Check on My IRS Return
To file tax returns, many use professional accountants and tax preparers, as well as online services and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) e-filing. Generally, if a service was used, the company should have a record of the file date and confirmation of the electronic submission. If you mailed the return yourself, first refer to the certified mail receipt if that is applicable. Otherwise, you will need to call the IRS to ascertain the return was indeed received and processed.
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Things You'll Need
- Copy of the tax return
- E-file confirmation number
- Preparer Information
- Social Security number
- Dollar amount of refund expected
- IRS telephone number
Instructions
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Contact your accountant or tax preparation service. This is probably the fastest way to determine your return's status.
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Contact tax filing services. If you used an online tax preparation service, there is often an easy way to determine the status of a tax filing. Be sure to have all login and account information handy. Then log onto the website and follow directions to ascertain the status of the tax filing. It may be necessary to contact someone via phone for security reasons.
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Contact the IRS. If you filed your tax return by mail, it is a good idea to have a certified mail receipt to prove that the IRS received the return. If not, call to confirm it was received. If you are expecting a refund, the IRS has a website section called "Where's My Refund?" to check refund status, whether you opted for direct deposit or a mailed check. The website allows you to track the refund 72 hours after it acknowledged receipt of your e-filed return or three to four weeks after you mailed a paper return. If no refund is expected, call your regional office for your return's status.
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Tips & Warnings
Refunds are generally sent within 28 days from the original IRS mailing dates.
Use a secure Internet connection when accessing online tax data.
Be careful not to respond to email scams about IRS refunds.
