Federal Tax Refund | Income Tax Refund | Tax Refund In California | Tax Refund NJ
An excellent place to determine the status of your refund is IRS’ “Where’s My Refund.” You will need some basic information from your return. Below is some critical information about getting a faster federal or state tax refund.
Table of Contents
- Where’s my refund? Tracking your IRS refund status
- When to expect your federal tax refund
- Why haven’t I received my tax refund?
- Estimate your 2023 IRS tax refund date
- Where’s my state tax refund? How to track your state refund status
Tracking your IRS refund status. Where’s my refund?
Using the IRS’ “Where’s My Refund” tracker is the fastest way to check on your federal tax return and refund status. The IRS updates the tracker once per day, usually overnight.
How soon can I check?
Efile Return: You can check your tax refund status 24 hours after e-filing your return
Paper Return: You can check your tax refund status after four weeks to six months of mailing the return.
You’ll need to have three items to check on the status of your refund,
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN),
- Return filing status, and
- The amount of the refund.
The tracker will display the refund status;
- Return acceptance
- Refund approval
- Refund funds have been sent.
If there is a delay or an issue with your return, the tracker will provide a reference code to determine the problem.
You can also download the IRS’s mobile app, IRS2go, or call the agency’s automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954.
Past efiled return(s)
If you submitted an efiled prior return (two years back), you can also use the “Where’s My Refund” tool, typically within three to four days after e-filing your return(s). Older returns must be filed in paper format.
Amended return(s)
If you filed an amended return, you use the “Where’s My Amended Return” tool to check the status.
When should you expect your federal tax refund?
Each year is different, depending on any changes in the law and software delays. You can typically expect your federal refund within 21 days., per the IRS. Paper-filed returns require more processing time, which can delay refunds by up to six months.
Why haven’t I received my tax refund?
There are several reasons why your refund may be delayed. One of the most common reasons is a return submitted with a calculation error or a wrong Social Security number; the return was incomplete or providing incorrect direct deposit information.
The IRS could also hold up your refund if it requires additional information or your return is being reviewed.
The IRS periodically posts updates about the status of operations on its website.
If it has been more than 21 days after e-filing and six weeks of mailing your return with no status change on the Where’s My Refund tracker or your online IRS account, you should call 800-829-1040 for more information.
Where’s my state tax refund?
To check your state refund state, most states have their own refund tracker. To find your state’s refund tracker, click the link below.
Track my state tax refund.
The state of Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming don’t have an income tax, so they’re not listed above. New Hampshire only has a flat tax on interest and dividends.
How to get a faster tax refund
Below are five to get your refund faster.
1. Avoid filing paper returns
Avoid filing a paper return because IRS typically takes six to eight weeks to process paper-filed returns. Electronic returns are usually take about three weeks to process. State tax authorities also accept electronic filed tax returns, you can get your state refund much faster by filing the state return electronically, also.
2. Get direct deposit
Have the IRS direct deposit your refund into one or multiple accounts instead of sending a paper check. That cuts the wait time to cut and mail your refund check.
3. Start tracking right away
You can start monitoring your IRS refund status 24 hours after electrnically filing your return. On mailed returns, you’ll have to wait 4 to 6 months. You can also check the status of your state tax refund by going to your state’s “where’s my refund” page.
4. Don’t let things go too long
Don’t wait too long to find out why you have not received your refund. If you haven’t received it within 21 days of electronically filing or six months of mailing your paper return you, need to start making inquires. Consider going to a local IRS or call the IRS’ main line at 800-829-1040
5. A big refund check can delay the processing of your refund
It may seem incredible to get a big check from the government. Before the IRS issues a big refund check they will double check, which will delay the refund. A big refund check also tells you you’ve been overpaying your taxes all year long and needlessly living on less.
If you want to get more money throughout the year, rather than later, you can adjust your withholdings by adjusting your IRS Form W-4.