Using IRS Where’s My Refund Tool

IRS Where's My Refund Tool
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The popular IRS Where’s My Refund Tool from the IRS is something you can use anywhere to check the status of your refund and look at your tax return. You do need some information from your return, including your SSN (Social Security Number), filing status and the amount of your current year refund.

Within 24 hours you can check the status of your return when you file electronically. If you choose to mail in a copy of your return to the IRS, then wait 4 weeks prior to checking the online tool. You can see one of three status levels when you check: Received, Approved, and Refund Sent.

The information is updated nightly, so only check once a day. If you want to check the status of your return on your phone (IRS Where’s My Refund Tool number: 800-829-1954), download the IRS app ISR2Go. Amended returns have a special application called Where’s My Amended Return?

The IRS aims to have all refunds in the mail or deposited within 21 days. If you go to an IRS office, they will not check the status of your return unless it was filed electronically more than 3 weeks ago. And 6 weeks for paper returns.

Tax Transcripts are popular ways to apply for loans and to discover information about past returns. Transcripts are not helpful in discovering the status of a current tax return.

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