Here's How to Track Your Tax Refund

Dec 03, 2023 By Triston Martin

Tax season is here; it can be exciting if you’re expecting a refund! Not only can you look forward to paying any bills owed, but also paying off debts or even getting that much-deserved shopping spree.

Whatever your plans for the extra cash, the first step in securing your refund is learning how to track it.

With this blog post as your guide, we'll show you everything from tracking online through the IRS website to using their mobile app so you’ll always know where exactly your money is at throughout this process. Get ready – let's go!

Understand the Process of How Tax Refunds Work

When you file your taxes, the IRS will process your return and either issue a refund or may send out a notice requesting additional information.

If a refund is due, the IRS typically sends funds within three weeks after an accepted return. There are various ways to track the status of your refund from the comfort of your home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tracking Your Tax Refund

Tax season can be nerve-wracking, so knowing where your refund stands is important. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to track your tax refund:

1) Filing Status:

First and foremost, you must ensure you have filed your taxes. Check that you submitted the proper forms using your filing status correctly.

2) E-Filing Status:

If you filed electronically, you can easily check the current status of your refund. This is usually done through the website or software used to file your taxes.

3) Refund Amount:

Once you've confirmed that the IRS has received and accepted your return, estimate how much money you will receive in your refund.

4) Check your Refund Status:

Once you have an idea of the amount you are expecting, check the status of your refund online via the IRS website or app. You only need number of your Social Security and filing status information to start.

5) Get your Money:

Finally, wait for your refund to arrive via mail or direct deposit. Remember, you can ask the IRS questions or concerns about your refund status.

Tips on Making Sure You Get the Most Out of Your Refund

1. Set up an account with the IRS to track your refund. This will allow you to get alerts on when your check is received and processed and provide a receipt of payment for tax records.

2. Ensure all the information on your return is accurate to avoid delays in processing refunds.

3. Save any documentation related to your return, such as receipts or forms. You may need this for future reference, and it will make it easier to track your refund if needed.

4. Keep track of all changes made to your return, especially any additional fees that have been added.

5. If you haven’t received a refund after six weeks, contact the IRS directly by phone or mail to get a detailed report of the status of your refund.

6. Use online tax preparation software to simplify the process and reduce errors when filing your taxes. This will help you maximize your return and ensure that you get your refund as quickly as possible.

Know When to Expect Your Tax Refund

Your tax refund is generally issued approximately 21 days after the IRS has received your return. The time it takes to receive the money in your bank account depends on several factors, including when and how you file.

If you file a paper return by mail, processing may take up to 8 weeks or more. Additionally, filing electronically can help speed up the process.

Reasons Why You Might Not Receive a Tax Refund

There are a few reasons why you might not receive a tax refund, even if you've been expecting one.

One of the most common reasons is that your liabilities exceed your refundable credits and withholdings. This can happen when you owe money to the IRS for past due taxes or other unpaid obligations.

You may not receive your refund if there are any errors in your return, such as incorrect Social Security numbers or other information. Sometimes, the IRS can take up to 6 months to process a return and deliver a refund.

Finally, if you make a mistake on your taxes and it affects your refund amount, the IRS may decide against sending out a check for the difference.

Things to Do with Your Tax Refund Money

Once you get your tax refund, spending it on something fun can be tempting. But there are some better ways to use the extra money that will benefit your financial future. Here are a few ideas:

1. Build an emergency fund

Having easy access to unanticipated expenses is critical in times of need. Start by setting aside a portion of your tax refund and building an emergency fund.

2. Contribute to a retirement account

Consider putting some tax refunds towards a retirement account such as a 401K or IRA. Doing so can help you save for when you need it most.

3. Invest in yourself

Use some of your tax refunds to invest in yourself through education or other activities that can help you develop valuable skills.

4. Pay down debt

If you have debts, such as credit card bills or student loans, use your refund to pay them off and reduce the interest you may be paying over time.

FAQs

How do I track my refund money?

The first step in tracking your refund is to go to the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) website at www.irs.gov and enter "Where's My Refund" in the search box.

On this page, you'll need to provide some basic2 information, including your filing status, Social Security number, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund. Once you enter this information, the IRS can tell you when to expect your money.

Which tax is refundable in the United States?

Ages, salaries, tips, and other types of income are all subject to federal income taxes. However, certain types of taxes may be refundable or partially refundable,e depending on your circumstances.

These include the Earned Income Tax Credit for low-income workers, the Increased Child Tax Credit, and certain education credits such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).

What is the best way to track my tax refund?

The best way to track your tax refund is through the Internal Revenue Service's online portal, Where's My Refund. This tool will allow you to enter your filing status, Social Security number, and estimated refund amount to get an update on the status of your refund.

You can also call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-829-1040 with your tax information to get an update. Certain tax preparation software programs also have features that allow you to track your refund.

Conclusion

This article helped you understand how to track your tax refund. Tracking your tax refund can help you plan for large purchases or check that everything is on track and that you will receive your refund when you expect to.

It’s easy to do, so follow the steps above if you are curious about when to expect your refund.

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