A Step-by-Step Guide to Tracking Your IRS Tax Refund
Are you eagerly awaiting your tax refund? Waiting can be nerve-wracking, but there's a simple way to keep tabs on its progress. The IRS offers a convenient online tool called "Where's My Refund" that allows you to track the status of your refund with ease. Discover a step-by-step guide to tracking your IRS tax refund.
INDIVIDUAL TAX
How to Track the Status of Your IRS Tax Refund
Tracking the status of your IRS tax refund is an important step in ensuring that you receive your money in a timely manner. Fortunately, the IRS provides a simple and convenient way to check the status of your refund online. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of tracking your tax refund.
Before you begin tracking your tax refund, make sure you have the following information on hand:
Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household)
The exact amount of your expected refund
Once you have gathered this information, you are ready to check the status of your tax refund.
Step-by-Step Guide
Visit the official IRS website at www.irs.gov/refunds.
Click on the "Check My Refund Status" button.
On the next page, enter your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and the exact amount of your expected refund.
Click on the "Submit" button.
You will be directed to a page that displays the status of your tax refund.
It's important to note that the IRS updates the refund status information once every 24 hours, usually overnight. Therefore, it is advisable to check the status of your refund no more than once a day to avoid unnecessary frustration.
Understanding the Three Main Statuses
When checking the status of your tax refund, you may encounter one of the following three main status messages:
Return Received: This status means that the IRS has received your tax return and it is currently being processed. The IRS will issue your refund once the processing is complete.
Refund Approved: This status indicates that your tax return has been processed, and the IRS has approved your refund. The refund will be sent to you either by direct deposit or by mail, depending on the option you selected when filing your return.
Refund Sent: This status means that the IRS has sent your refund to your bank account or mailing address. If you chose direct deposit, the money should appear in your account within a few business days. If you opted for a paper check, it may take a bit longer to receive it in the mail.
It is important to keep in mind that the timing of your refund may vary depending on various factors, such as the accuracy of your return and the method of refund you selected. If you have any concerns or questions about your tax refund, it is best to contact the IRS directly for assistance.
By following these steps and understanding the different refund statuses, you can easily track the status of your IRS tax refund and ensure that you receive your money without any delays.