Best Way to Check IRS Tax Return Status

If you’re expecting a tax refund, knowing its status is essential. The IRS lets you check your refund status for free using its online tools.

To use this tool, enter your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your expected refund from the original tax return for the year you’re checking.

Where’s My Refund?

Once you have filed your tax return, you can track your refund status using the IRS’ Where’s My Refund tool. It will give you a real-time update on the status of your refund.

The tool will show you when your refund can be deposited into your bank account. Generally, the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days.

However, there are times when your return can take longer to process. These delays can occur if your return has errors, is incomplete, or needs a review for refund fraud.

For your protection, the IRS has enhanced identity verification and refund fraud protection measures. These measures may delay refunds until March for taxpayers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit.

IRS2Go

Whether you’re filing online or by paper, the IRS offers some tools to help track your tax return status. The most popular tool is “Where’s My Refund?” It works by checking your refund status using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

This application is available for iOS and Android and is free to download. It can help you check your refund status, make payments, find free tax preparation assistance, and sign up for helpful tax tips.

Another tool is IRS2Go, the official IRS mobile app. It’s easy to use, and you can get it in English or Spanish.

The IRS2Go app also lets you find tax preparation and volunteer assistance sites, including VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) locations in schools and community centers nationwide. It’s also an excellent way to sign up for free tax tips from the IRS, which are sent to your email each business day during tax season and three times a week over the summer.

E-Filing

E-filing is submitting tax returns and accounting documentation online via a computer. This system reduces processing time, operating costs, transmission errors, and paper usage.

It also ensures that all the information is transferred securely and not tampered with. This is because all the data is sent from a taxpayer’s office directly to the tax authority portal without being stored anywhere in between.

The e-filing system also allows tax authorities to reject incorrect forms and notify the filer of the rejection in 24-48 hours. The return is confirmed if the tax filer rectifies the error within that period. 

The e-filing system can be downloaded from the internet or an e-file provider can help you with this process. It is a fast and convenient way to submit your income tax return. It also speeds up refunds and reduces errors.

Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit is a simple, secure, and fast way to receive your tax refund. It is used by eight out of 10 taxpayers.

Using Direct Deposit eliminates the time and expense of printing, mailing, and processing paper checks. It also protects your money from hackers and other criminals.

The money you receive through Direct Deposit comes into your account via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, which the National Automated Clearing House Association oversees.

It’s important to note that anyone with your bank account and routing numbers can commit ACH fraud. That’s why you must ensure that the information you provide on your IRS Direct Deposit request is correct.

Then, you can check the status of your direct deposit by logging into your bank account. If it’s been three days or more since you last checked the status, you should contact your bank to see if it has received your refund.