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If your tax refund has not shown up on the date you expect do not panic! There could be a number of reasons for the delay besides the IRS
taking your refund. The quickest way to find out your IRS tax refund status is online at their web site. The
Where's My Refund? interactive application can be used by e-filers 72 hours after a tax return has been accepted, those who filed by mail will have to wait between 3 to 4 weeks to track their refund online.
To check status of tax refund at the IRS web site, filers will have to provide their exact refund amount, filing status and social security number. After entering in your information, you may receive a response that your refund is processing, meaning you should wait a week then check again. If your refund has already been issued, a mailing date or direct deposit date may be given. This date only reflects the date the IRS sent your refund. Even after the IRS transmits your direct deposit, it may take your bank several days to release the funds into your account. Paper checks are also often returned back to the IRS due to an incorrect mailing address.
If your tax refund was returned to the IRS because of incorrect address or has been lost or stolen, the Where's My Refund? application can be used to update your mailing address or trace your refund. If you e-filed your return and provided incorrect direct deposit information your IRS tax refund status gets a little tricky. After your bank rejects the deposit, the funds will be returned to the IRS and a paper check will be issued but the process will set back your refund by several weeks.
Did you amend your original return? Or need help with a previous year tax return? Then you will have to contact the IRS by phone for refund assistance.
