How to Check the Status of Your Tax Refund

January 21, 2010 by Jim

eight="180" class="r" src="http://www.bargaineering.com/images/in_posts/taxes-computer.jpg" alt="1040 Tax Forms" />It seems a little early but I’ve been getting a lot of “where is my refund?”-type of emails lately. While I won’t know the answer to that question (and I shouldn’t, the IRS should be that loose with your personal information!), the IRS will. While not usually known for tech savviness, the IRS does have an online tool that lets you check the status of your refund.

You can access the Refund Status tool here.

Check Status of Tax Refund

To use the tool, you will need three pieces of information:

  • Your social security number
  • Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separate, head of household, or qualifying widow(er))
  • Your exact refund amount (as shown on your tax return).

If your above data is correct and they cannot retrieve your refund status, they will ask you for:

  • The approximate date you filed your tax return
  • The method (paper or electronic)

If they still cannot locate it, they’ll advise that you collect all the above information and give them a call at 1-800-829-0582 (Extension 362) when they are open (Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 10PM).

Lost Your Refund Check

If you use the tool and see that the check was mailed but you never received it (or otherwise lost it), you can request a replacement check if it has been more than 28 days since the check was mailed. If the check was returned to the IRS by the post office, you will also be able to change your address on file through that system (if you are eligible, they will offer that option).

These are two good reasons why you might want to use the direct deposit option for future returns. If you enter your direct deposit information correctly (triple check it!), the check can’t get lost in the mail. :)

(Photo: blmurch)

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