How to Check the Status of your Federal Tax Refund

Checking your tax refund status is simple to do.

If you are wondering about the status of your federal tax refund, you can easily find out either online or by phone. Once the Internal Revenue Service acknowledges receiving your return, it will usually have the information on when you can expect your return within 72 hours if you efiled or three to four weeks if you filed a paper return, according to IRS.gov.

Instructions

1. Gather three items of information from your tax return: Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, filing status and the exact dollar amount of your refund.

2. Access IRS.gov and click on "Check on My Refund" or "Where's My Refund?"

3. Fill out the required information and submit. You will see the date you can expect your refund and a date to make contact if it is not received.

4. Call the IRS refund hotline at 800-829-1954, if you would rather call. The refund hotline is available 24 hours and you will need the same three items of information.

Tips & Warnings

• The sooner you file your taxes, the faster you will get your refund. If you wait until April to file, it will probably take a few weeks to process.

• Carefully input the IRS website because many imitators are waiting to steal your personal information. Ensure you are going straight to the source.

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Where’s My Refund?