If you’ve filed and are awaiting a refund, you’re running to the mailbox or checking your online bank account every day (for those choosing direct deposit). Everyone loves the idea of getting money back from the government.
If you’ve filed and due a refund, you probably need the cash, even though the IRS has delayed its April 15 filing date to July 15.
Unlike preparing and filing taxes, tracking your refund is pretty simple. There are a number of ways to see what’s going on, according to the IRS:
First of all, you’ll need to know if the IRS received your return. If they did, you’ll want to know where they are at in terms of processing your refund.
I would start with their “Where’s My Refund” page.
“You can start checking on the status of your refund within 24 hours after we have received your e-filed return or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return,” the IRS states. “Where’s My Refund? will give you a personalized date after we process your return and approve your refund. The tracker displays progress through three stages:”
Return Received
Refund Approved
Refund Sent
To use “Where’s My Refund,” provide your Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. To use this feature, use their online tool or app.
Today In: Personal Finance
What if something went wrong and the IRS didn’t get your return? You may have been the victim of fraud.
If so, you should report it immediately, particularly if someone filed for a false refund under your name. Here’s where to go.
