How to Check My Income Tax Information

You can check your income tax information by contacting the local, state or federal tax authorities by phone or in writing. The IRS and most state and local tax agencies will provide information over the phone. However, it is best to order the tax information in writing. You can order tax transcripts from the IRS for free, and you can order complete copies of your tax returns for a fee. State and local tax agencies will provide this information as well, but fees will vary from agency to agency.

Instructions

1. Review the income tax information that you have on hand and note any information that you need but don't have. If you are checking on your IRS refund, it usually takes 72 hours from when you receive acknowledgment from the IRS that your e-filed return was received for the information to become available, or three to four weeks for a return that was mailed.

2. Contact the tax agency by phone and inquire about the procedures for checking your income tax information. Most tax agencies have customer service personnel that will help you obtain the information you need by taking your order over the phone or by telling you how to order the information you need. The customer service person will generally ask you up to three security questions: What is your Social Security number? What is your filing status? And what is the exact whole dollar amount of your refund?

3. Place your order for the income tax information you need. You will need to use a credit card to place your order over the phone or online if there are fees to pay. If you don't have a credit card, you can order through the mail and send a check or money order, but this will be a much slower process.

4. To check on your IRS refund, you need to wait at least 72 hours after receiving conformation that the IRS received your e-filed return, or three to four weeks if the return was mailed to the IRS. When you contact the IRS, they will always ask one of the three security questions mentioned in Step 2.

5. Review your IRS tax information carefully when it arrives, and verify that it is what you need. If it is not what you need, or you have other questions, call the IRS back and ask your questions. The IRS customer service personnel are there to help you, and you should not be afraid to ask questions or feel intimidated in any way.

References

• IRS.gov.: Where's my refund?
• IRS.gov.: Need a Copy of Your Tax Return Information?
• IS.gov.:How to Contact the IRS

Resources

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants: Taxes--States--Departments of Revenue