Checking your tax return status is an important step to ensure that it has been received and processed correctly by the tax authorities. But it’s important to allow sufficient time for the tax authorities to process it after a successful tax filing. The processing time can vary depending on the method you used in filing, from about three weeks or more. If you expect a federal or state tax refund, you can also track its status. Here are a few ways for you to check tax return status.
How to Check Tax Return Status
To check the status of your tax return, you will need to have your personal information ready, such as your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact amount of your refund or the amount you owed.
Where’s My Refund
The quickest and easiest way to check your federal tax return status is to use the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app. You can usually see your refund status after about 48 hours with Where’s My Refund if you filed electronically.
To know your tax return status, access the “Where’s My Refund” tool and follow the prompt to enter required personal details like your social security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact amount of your refund or the amount you owed. After submitting your information, the tool will display your refund status in the following manner:
- “Return Received: We received your return and are processing it.
- Refund Approved: We approved your refund and are preparing to issue it by the date shown.
- Refund Sent: We sent the refund to your bank or to you in the mail. It may take 5 days for it to show up in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.”
Contact IRS Directly
You can also Contact the IRS directly via phone call (only if Where’s My Refund recommends you do so). You should be ready to exercise patience, as the wait time may be long. The IRS recommends waiting at least 3 weeks after electronically filing and 6 weeks after mailing a paper return before contacting them about your refund status.
You can also get in-person help at your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Locate a Taxpayer Assistance Center near you. Check what services are available at that location, then call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment.
Volunteer or Software Program
If you used a tax preparer or tax filing software, they may also be able to provide you with your refund status. All you need to do is contact the volunteer service you used. You can also track your tax return status using the tax preparation software you used in filing your taxes.
Choose How to Get your Refund.
If you are expecting a refund, you can get your refund by:
Direct deposit
This is the fastest way to get your refund. Deposit into your checking, savings, or retirement account. You can split your refund into up to three accounts.
Paper check
The IRS will mail your check to the address on your return.
Prepaid debit card
Check with your bank or card provider to see if your card will work and which account numbers to use.
Mobile payment apps
Some apps accept direct deposits.
U.S. Savings Bonds
Find out how to buy bonds with your refund.
Conclusion
While checking your tax return status, it is important to note that if your return status shows “accepted,” it means the IRS has received your return and it has passed the initial inspection, such as, correct Social Security number, etc.
After it has been received, it can take anywhere from a few days to three weeks for your return to go from acceptance to approval.