It’s getting down to the wire for those who haven’t filed their tax returns yet, so it’s not surprising that you’re wondering where your refund is. Nowadays it’s easy to keep track of your tax refund status simply by checking the IRS website.
What do I need to do?
The crucial question for tracking your return is whether you filed electronically or by U.S. mail. You can track your refund on the IRS site Where’s My Refund, but the length of time it takes for the information to appear varies greatly depending on how you filed. If you filed electronically, information about your refund will generally appear 72 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of your return. However, if you sent your return by mail, it will take three to four weeks for a status update. If there’s no information yet, check back each Wednesday. You need to input your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and amount you’re owed to access the information.
How will I receive my refund?
You can opt to receive your refund by direct deposit, a paper check, or to buy Series I Savings Bonds. On your return you should have specified if you want to receive the refund as one direct deposit, which can take as little as 10 days to receive. If you want the refund to be divvied up among up two or three accounts, or you want to purchase savings bonds, you should have filled out Form 8888.
What if I get a suspicious email from the IRS about my refund?
Keep in mind that the IRS does not initiate email communications with taxpayers. If you receive an unsolicited email purporting to be from the IRS, be on guard. If you receive an email asking for personal information, the IRS urges consumers to not reply to the email, open any attachments or click on any links. Fraudsters use these scams to steal your assets or identity. Forward suspicious email to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov.
About the Writer
Susan Ladika has been a writer and editor for 25 years. Her freelance work has covered everything from business to travel to science to international issues, and have appeared in such publications as Science, Town & Country, HR Magazine, Developer, The Wall Street Journal-Europe, The San Francisco Chronicle, and many others. She has also done extensive editing as a newspaper and wire service editor holding positions such as the Tampa Tribune Bureau Chief.
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