If you’ve done everything right and your refund feels slow, you can check on the status with the IRS. You’ll need to wait at least 72 hours after you e-file or three weeks after you mail your paper return before you can make an inquiry.
The fastest and best way to get
the info is using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov .
To check on your refund, you’ll
need to have your tax return handy. You’ll need to enter:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your filing status
- The amount of your refund as shown on your tax return
Here’s a quick caveat about
dates: if you’ve amended your return using a form 1040X, all bets are off. It
may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer to process the return. If 8 weeks have passed
after you’ve filed a form 1040X and you have not received your refund, call the
IRS at (800) 829-1040. Be prepared to wait (and wait).
Finally, if your check is supposed
to be in your mailbox and it’s not because it was lost, stolen, or destroyed,
you can file an online claim for a replacement check. You can make the claim if
it’s been more than 28 days from the date that the IRS says it mailed your
refund. Head over to the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov for details.
