How to Contact the IRS About a Refund

The IRS issues refunds for overpayment of taxes.

People who have overpaid taxes to the IRS will receive a refund after they file their tax returns. If you file electronically, you should wait at least 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of your return before you check the status of your refund. If you filed by mail, you'll need to wait three weeks before checking.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number
• Filing status
• Tax refund amount

1. Go to the IRS website and click on the link for "Where's my Refund?" Enter your Social Security number, filing status and the amount of your refund in whole dollars. The results should give you the status of your refund. You may be prompted to check again in 24 hours if the status is unavailable

2. Call the Refund Hotline at 800-829-1924. Provide the automated system with your Social Security number, the whole-dollar amount of the refund and your filing status. The automated system will update you with the status of your refund if that information is available.

3. Call 800-829-1040 and speak with an operator. Give the operator your Social Security number, filing status and refund amount.

Tips & Warnings

• Amended tax return information is not available on the "Where's my Refund?" online tool.

References

• IRS: Where's My Refund?