Where’s my Tax Refund?

If you are still awaiting your tax refund, use this easy tool provided by the IRS to check its status: IRS.gov/refunds.

What you need to get started

  1. Your SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
  2. Your Filing Status
  3. The exact amount of your refund

Refund Status

  1. Return received
    1. The IRS has received your return and is still processing it.
  2. Refund approved
    1. Your return has been reviewed and they will be issuing a refund by the date listed.
  3. Refund Sent
    1. They have sent your refund out. It will take up to 5 days by direct deposit or several weeks by mail.

Benefits of Refund Tool

  1. It will not be necessary to contact the IRS by phone or other means.
    1. Receive detailed info in an easy-to-read format
    2. If contact is necessary, it will provide the appropriate channels of contact
  2. It will provide timely information regarding whether the IRS requires more information from you to process your return
  3. Refund statuses are updated every night

Why is my refund delayed

  1. Typically, refunds are issued by the IRS within 21 days
  2. May be delayed because:
    1. There are errors on your return
    2. Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit Issues
    3. The return was filed by mail, which typically results in a slower processing time compared to e-file.

Using this tool will give you timely notice if any of these issues apply to your tax return.

Note: This information cannot take the place of advice from a lawyer. Each case is different and needs individual legal advice. You should contact the LITC or a private attorney if you need representation on a tax matter or if you have questions.

Sources:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/wheres-my-refund-tool-makes-it-easy-to-track-the-status-of-a-federal-tax-return