How to Check on Your Income Tax Refund

Editor's note: The following news release about how to check the status of a federal income tax refund was submitted by the IRS.

Are you expecting a federal tax refund this year? Internal Revenue Service spokesman Gregg Semanick offers these tips for checking on the status of your refund and some helpful tips about refunds.

Tax Return Processing and Refunds: If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund will usually be issued within six to eight weeks from the date it is received. If you filed electronically, your refund will normally be issued within three weeks after the acknowledgment date.

Check Refund Status Online: The fastest and easiest way to find out about your current year refund is to go to IRS.gov and click the “Where’s My Refund?” link at the IRS.gov home page. To check the status online you will need your Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund shown on your tax return.

Check Refund Status By Phone: You can check the status of your refund by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800–829–1954. When you call, you will need to provide your Social Security number, your filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of the refund shown on your return.

Check Refund Status with IRS2Go: IRS2Go is a smartphone application that lets you interact with the IRS using your mobile device. Apple users can download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the Apple App Store. Android users can visit the Android Marketplace to download the free IRS2Go app. Simply enter your Social Security number, which will be masked and encrypted for security purposes, then select your filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund shown on your return.

Delayed Refund: There are several reasons for delayed refunds. For reasons that may delay the processing of your return, refer to Tax Topic 303 available on the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov, which includes a Checklist of Common Errors When Preparing Your Tax Return.

Larger than Expected Refund: If you receive a refund to which you are not entitled, or one for an amount that is more than you expected, do not cash the check until you receive an IRS notice explaining the difference. Follow the instructions on the IRS notice.

Smaller than Expected Refund: If you receive a refund for a smaller amount than you expected, you may cash the check. If it is determined that you should have received more, you will later receive a check for the difference. If you did not receive an IRS notice and you have questions about the amount of your refund, wait two weeks after receiving the refund, then call 1-800–829–1040.

Missing Refund: The IRS will assist you in obtaining a replacement check for a refund check that is verified as lost or stolen. If the IRS was unable to deliver your refund because you moved, you can change your address online at www.irs.gov . Once your address has been changed, the IRS can reissue the undelivered check.

For more information on federal tax refunds, visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov or call 800-829-1040.

Submitted by IRS