How to Track an IRS Refund

Check your refund status after submitting taxes.

Taxes can be stressful, but knowing that you have a refund coming can help alleviate the pressure after tax time. After you submit your tax return, the IRS makes it easy for you to track the status of your refund via their website so you'll know when you can expect it in the mail or as a direct deposit.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security Number
• Tax return

Instructions

1. Visit irs.gov. The IRS has a "Where's my Refund?" tool to check the status of your tax return.

2. Click 'Where's my Refund?" Enter your social security number or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification in the three boxes provided. Select the filing status that you declared on your return, as well as the whole dollar amount found on your tax return. If you filed a Form 1040 look at Line 73a, Form 1040A look at Line 46a or for Form 1040EZ, look at Line 12a. Press Submit.

3. Check the refund status results. The results will indicate when a direct deposit to your bank account may be expected, or when a check will be mailed to your address. Once you submit your tax return, you are able to check the status 72 hours after the IRS receives your e-file, or approximately four weeks if you mail in the return.

References

• IRS: Where's My Refund?