How to Check Federal Income Tax Refund Status Online, By Phone
As soon as a federal income tax return has been filed, the first question on many people's minds is "when will I get my tax refund check (or direct deposit)?" Unbeknownst to many is a neat tool called "Where's My Refund?" on the IRS website. Individuals can use this tool to check on the status of their personal income tax refunds.
When Individuals Will Receive Federal Income Tax Refunds
According to the IRS, the Where's My Refund module is capable of providing information for an individual's most recently filed tax return year. Individuals should note that this means that the most recent year filed will appear in this tool, not necessarily the most recently filed tax return.
The IRS gives an example of this; for instance, if an individual files a 2008 return in January, then files a 2007 return in February, only the 2008 return refund information will be available through the Where's My Refund tool.
Unfortunately, amended return (Form 1040X) information is not available through this tool.
How to Find Out When a Personal Tax Refund is Coming from the IRS
In order to request refund information through the Where's My Refund tool, individuals need to know the following personal data:
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- Social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
- Filing status
- Exact whole dollar amount of the expected tax refund
Individuals should enter this information into the Where's My Refund tool. A link to the module is usually on the main IRS homepage, irs.gov; it typically appears on the bottom left corner of the page during tax season. Here's a direct link to the tool.
Another Way to Check on a Federal Income Tax Refund Check: Call the IRS
Anyone who doesn't have internet access or who would simply rather call for this information instead of using the online module may call the IRS directly. Here are two IRS phone numbers:
- IRS customer service phone number – 1-800-829-1954
- Automated refund information hotline – 1-800-829-4477
Refund information can be requested in Spanish at the phone numbers above or by visiting irs.gov/espanol.
When Will Federal Personal Income Tax Refund Information Be Available?
According to the IRS, an individual's refund status should be available approximately 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an electronically filed (e-filed) return or 3-4 weeks after a paper return was mailed. However, if Form 8379 was filed with the return, refund status may not be available for up to 14 weeks.
Related Articles:
IRS Form 1040 , U.S. Individual Income Tax Return
IRS Mailing Address – Form 1040
Form 4868, Individual Income Tax Return Extension
Resources:
IRS website
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