How to Easily Check the Status of Your Tax Return and Fix Any Issues?
For many people and organizations, tax season can be a stressful time. It’s critical to be aware of the refund status following the submission of your tax return.
In this post, we’ll look at how to check the status of your tax return, the typical causes of delays, and how to fix any problems.
Understanding Tax Return Status
It’s critical to comprehend what it signifies before moving on to the procedures to check the status of your tax return.
When you file your tax return, the Federal Revenue Service (IRS) will review it to see if you owe any taxes or if you qualify for a refund.
The processing stage that your tax return is in is indicated by its status.
Steps to Check Tax Return Status
There are three ways to check your tax return status: online, by phone, and by mail.
Online
The easily way and also the fast is to check your tax return status online. The IRS has a “Where’s My Refund?” tool on their website that allows you to check the status of your refund within 24 hours of e-filing or four weeks of mailing your return.
To use this tool, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact amount of your refund.
The tool will then display your refund status, including whether it has been received, approved, or sent.
Phone
If you prefer to check your tax return status by phone, you can call the IRS refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954.
You’ll need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund.
The automated system will provide you with the status of your refund, or you can choose to speak with a customer service representative.
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| Source: irs.gov |
If you don’t have internet access or prefer to check your tax return status by mail, you can complete and mail Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, to the IRS.
This form allows you to request a transcript of your tax return, which will show the status of your refund.
Common Reasons for Delays
It’s not uncommon for tax returns to be delayed for various reasons. Some common reasons for delays include:
- Errors on your tax return.
- Missing or incomplete information.
- Fraud prevention measures.
- Identity theft.
- Back taxes owed.
- Bankruptcy or other legal issues.
If your tax return is delayed, the IRS will notify you by mail. It’s important to review the notice and take any necessary steps to resolve the issue.
How to Resolve Issues?
It’s critical to address any issues with your tax return as soon as possible to avoid further delays or penalties.
There’s a chance you’ll need to provide more documentation or fix mistakes on your tax return. You have two alternatives to resolve the issue with your tax return: you may either contact the IRS directly or seek help from a tax professional.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Refund?
If you haven’t received your refund within the expected timeframe, there are a few things you can do:
- Check the status of your refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool or by calling the IRS refund hotline.
- Verify that your mailing address is correct and up-to-date with the IRS.
- Check with your bank to ensure there are no issues with depositing your refund.
- Contact the IRS directly to inquire about the status of your refund and any potential issues.
Tax Refund Fraud Prevention
Scammers are utilizing stolen personal information to submit false tax returns and request refunds, which is a rising problem. It’s crucial to take the following actions in order to prevent tax refund fraud:
- Be sure to safeguard your private data, such as your Social Security number, birth date, and financial information.
- To lessen the chance that someone may file a fake tax return using your information, file your tax return as soon as you can.
- Before submitting your tax return online, make sure the connection is safe.
- Be wary of emails or calls asking for personal information from the IRS while seeming to be from the IRS.
Tips for a Smooth Tax Season
To make the tax season as stress-free as possible, consider the following tips:
- Keep accurate and organized records of your income, expenses, and deductions.
- File your tax return early to avoid potential delays and penalties.
- Seek assistance from a tax professional if you’re unsure of how to file your taxes or have complex tax situations.
- Stay up-to-date on changes to tax laws and regulations.
The Bottom Line
As tax season rolls around, it’s essential to keep track of your tax return status. Filing your taxes is a necessary evil, and checking on your tax return status can bring a sense of relief, especially if you’re due a refund.
This article will outline the steps you need to take to check your tax return status quickly and efficiently.
FAQs
Q1. Can I check the status of my tax return if I filed an extension?
Yes, you can still check the status of your tax return even if you filed an extension.
Q2. What does it mean if my refund status is “pending”?
A “pending” refund status means that the IRS has received your tax return but has not yet processed it. This is a normal part of the processing timeline.
Q3. Can I check the status of my state tax refund using the same tools?
It depends on your state. Some states offer online tools to check the status of your state tax refund, while others may require you to contact the state tax agency directly.
Q4. How long does it take to receive my refund after it’s been approved?
It typically takes about 21 days to receive your refund after it has been approved, but this can vary based on factors such as how you filed your tax return and how you requested to receive your refund.
Q5. What should I do if I receive a notice from the IRS about my tax return?
It’s important to carefully review the notice and take any necessary steps to address the issue. If you’re unsure of what to do, seek assistance from a tax professional or contact the IRS directly for guidance.
