‘Dear IRS: Where is my refund?’
Recent improvements to “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov now provide you with more information and remains the best way to check the status of your refund. You will find this tool on the home page under the “Get Your Refund Status” tab.
The “Where’s My Refund?” tool provides taxpayers with three key pieces of information: IRS confirmation of receiving your tax return, approval of your tax refund, and the issuing date of the approved tax refund.
During this busy part of filing season, millions of taxpayers are anticipating refunds. The IRS website can help taxpayers quickly get the information they need without calling the IRS.
According to the IRS, “Where’s My Refund?” enhancements include: 1) Messages with detailed refund status in plain language. 2) Seamless access on mobile devices and with the IRS2Go app. 3) Notifications indicating whether the IRS needs additional information.
To use “Where’s My Refund?”, taxpayers must enter their SS number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of their expected refund from the original 2023 tax return.
Once the IRS acknowledges receipt of a return, refund status information is typically available within 24 hours after receipt of a taxpayer’s e-filed 2023 return or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
Taxpayers should note that the IRS updates the refund tool once a day, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check more often. The IRS reminds taxpayers that the fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and using direct deposit.
Many different factors may affect the timing of refund delivery. Most frequently if there is a delay the tax return has obvious errors, requires additional review or is incomplete.
The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return. IRS phone and walk-in representatives can only research the status of a refund if: 1) 21 days or more have passed since a return was filed electronically, 2) six weeks or more have passed since a return was mailed, or 3) “Where’s My Refund?” tells the taxpayer to contact the IRS.
The California Franchise Tax Board has a similar program. Go to www.ftb.ca.gov. On the Home page use the tab “Check Your Refund Status” and then “Where’s My Refund?” California wants to know your Social Security number, the numbers in your mail address, your zip code and the exact amount of the tax refund claimed on your State return. California’s estimate for electronically filed returns is 21 days like the IRS. However, for mailed returns be patient for up to three months.