Checking the status of your federal tax return allows you to track its progress through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) system. Knowing the status of your return can help you estimate when you can expect your refund or if there are any issues that need to be resolved.
You can check the status of your federal tax return online using the IRS website or by calling the IRS toll-free number. You will need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the expected refund amount. The IRS website also allows you to create an account to track your return status and view other tax-related information.
Checking the status of your federal tax return is important because it allows you to:
- Estimate when you can expect your refund
- Identify any issues that need to be resolved
- Confirm that your return was received by the IRS
- Avoid unnecessary delays in processing your return
1. Online
This online service is a convenient and efficient way to check the status of your federal tax return. By providing your Social Security number and filing status, you can access real-time information about the processing of your return. This information includes the date your return was received, the date it was approved, and the date your refund was issued (if applicable).
Checking the status of your tax return online is important for several reasons. First, it allows you to track the progress of your return and ensure that it is being processed correctly. Second, it can help you estimate when you can expect to receive your refund or payment. Third, it can help you identify any potential problems with your return and take steps to resolve them.
For example, if you check the status of your return and see that it is still being processed, you can contact the IRS to inquire about the delay. Or, if you see that your return has been approved but your refund has not yet been issued, you can contact the IRS to track the status of your refund.
Overall, the ability to check the status of your federal tax return online is a valuable tool that can help you stay informed about the processing of your return and ensure that you receive your refund or payment in a timely manner.
2. Mobile app
The IRS2Go mobile app is a convenient way to check the status of your federal tax return. The app allows you to track the progress of your return, make payments, and access other tax-related information. This information includes your account balance, payment history, and tax transcripts.
- Convenience: The IRS2Go mobile app provides a convenient way to check the status of your return and other tax-related information. You can access the app from anywhere with an internet connection, and you dont have to wait on hold to speak to a customer service representative.
- Real-time updates: The IRS2Go mobile app provides real-time updates on the status of your return. This information is updated as soon as the IRS processes your return, so you can always be sure that you have the most up-to-date information.
- Secure: The IRS2Go mobile app is a secure way to access your tax information. The app uses multiple layers of security to protect your data, including encryption and authentication.
Overall, the IRS2Go mobile app is a valuable tool for taxpayers. The app provides a convenient, real-time, and secure way to check the status of your return and other tax-related information.
3. Phone
Contacting the IRS by phone is another way to check the status of your federal tax return. While it may not be as convenient as checking online or using the mobile app, it is still an option if you do not have access to the internet or if you prefer to speak to a customer service representative.
- Availability: The IRS toll-free number is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern Time. This makes it a convenient option for taxpayers who need to check the status of their return outside of normal business hours.
- Speak to a representative: When you call the IRS toll-free number, you will have the opportunity to speak to a customer service representative. This can be helpful if you have questions about your return or if you need assistance with other tax-related matters.
- Wait times: It is important to note that wait times can be long, especially during peak tax season. If you call the IRS during peak tax season, you may have to wait on hold for an extended period of time.
Overall, contacting the IRS by phone is a reliable way to check the status of your federal tax return. However, taxpayers should be aware of the potential for long wait times, especially during peak tax season.
FAQs about Checking the Status of Your Federal Tax Return
Checking the status of your federal tax return is a simple process that can be done online, by phone, or by mail. However, there are a few common questions that taxpayers have about checking the status of their return.
Question 1: How long does it take to process a tax return?
The IRS generally processes tax returns within 21 days of receipt. However, some returns may take longer to process, such as returns that are filed electronically with errors or that require additional review.
Question 2: What is the best way to check the status of my return?
The best way to check the status of your return is to use the IRS’s online tool, “Where’s My Refund?”. This tool is available on the IRS website and allows you to track the status of your return using your Social Security number and filing status.
Question 3: What information do I need to provide when checking the status of my return?
When checking the status of your return, you will need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the expected refund amount. You can also create an online account with the IRS to track the status of your return and view other tax-related information.
Question 4: What does it mean if my return is still being processed?
If your return is still being processed, it means that the IRS has not yet completed its review of your return. The IRS may be waiting for additional information from you, or they may be reviewing your return for errors.
Question 5: What should I do if my return has been delayed?
If your return has been delayed, you should contact the IRS to inquire about the status of your return. The IRS may be able to provide you with more information about the delay and tell you what you need to do to resolve the issue.
Question 6: How can I avoid delays in processing my return?
There are a few things you can do to avoid delays in processing your return. First, make sure that your return is complete and accurate before you file it. Second, file your return electronically, if possible. E-filed returns are processed faster than paper returns. Third, respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the IRS.
Checking the status of your federal tax return is an important part of the tax filing process. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your return is processed quickly and accurately.
For more information about checking the status of your tax return, please visit the IRS website.
Tips for Checking the Status of Your Federal Tax Return
Checking the status of your federal tax return is an important part of the tax filing process. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your return is processed quickly and accurately.
Tip 1: File your return electronically
E-filed returns are processed faster than paper returns. You can e-file your return using tax software or through the IRS website.
Tip 2: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the IRS
If the IRS needs additional information from you, they will send you a notice. Respond to the notice promptly to avoid delays in processing your return.
Tip 3: Use the IRS’s online tool, “Where’s My Refund?”
The IRS’s online tool, “Where’s My Refund?”, is the best way to check the status of your return. You can track the status of your return using your Social Security number and filing status.
Tip 4: Avoid filing your return during peak tax season
Peak tax season is typically from mid-February to mid-April. If you file your return during peak tax season, it may take longer for your return to be processed.
Tip 5: Make sure that your return is complete and accurate before you file it
A complete and accurate return will help to avoid delays in processing. Make sure that you have included all of the required information and that your calculations are correct.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- E-filing your return can help to speed up the processing time.
- Responding promptly to requests for additional information from the IRS can help to avoid delays.
- Using the IRS’s online tool, “Where’s My Refund?”, is the best way to check the status of your return.
- Avoiding filing your return during peak tax season can help to reduce processing time.
- Filing a complete and accurate return can help to avoid delays in processing.
Following these tips can help you to check the status of your federal tax return quickly and easily.
In Closing
Checking the status of your federal tax return is an important part of the tax filing process. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your return is processed quickly and accurately.
Remember, the best way to check the status of your return is to use the IRS’s online tool, “Where’s My Refund?”. You can also track the status of your return by phone or mail. However, these methods may take longer to provide you with information about your return.
If you have any questions about checking the status of your federal tax return, please visit the IRS website or contact the IRS by phone.
