How To Track My Refund Turbotax

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Awaiting your tax refund after filing with TurboTax? It's a common feeling – that mix of anticipation and a little bit of impatience! Knowing where your money is can certainly ease your mind. While TurboTax facilitates the filing process, the actual refund comes directly from the IRS (for federal refunds) or your state tax agency (for state refunds).

So, let's get you on the right track!

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of tracking your TurboTax refund, from checking your e-file status to understanding potential delays.

Step 1: Engage with Your TurboTax Account First!

Before you dive into government websites, the very first place to start is your TurboTax account. This will confirm that your return was successfully filed and accepted.

Sub-heading: Check Your E-file Status
- Why this is important: TurboTax acts as an intermediary. It submits your tax return to the IRS or state. Until your return is accepted by the tax authority, they won't have any information on your refund status.
- How to do it:
  1. Go to the official TurboTax website and sign in to your account.
  2. Once logged in, navigate to your Tax Home or the section that displays your filed returns.
  3. Look for the e-file status of your federal and state returns. It should show as "Accepted."
  4. What to note: If it says "Pending," it means the tax authority hasn't processed it yet. If it says "Rejected," you'll need to address the errors in your return and re-file it. TurboTax usually provides clear instructions on how to do this.
  5. Pro Tip: Make a note of your exact refund amount for both federal and state returns, as you'll need this for the next steps.

Step 2: Tracking Your Federal Tax Refund (IRS)

Once your federal return shows as "Accepted" in TurboTax, you can begin tracking it directly with the IRS. This is the primary and most accurate source for federal refund information.

Sub-heading: Using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" Tool
- What you'll need:
  - Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  - Your Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, etc.)
  - The exact Federal Refund Amount (from your accepted TurboTax return)
- How to do it:
  1. Go to the official IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool: irs.gov/wheres-my-refund.
  2. Click on the "Check My Refund Status" button.
  3. Carefully enter the required information: your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and the exact federal refund amount. Double-check for typos!
  4. Click "Submit."
- Understanding the Statuses: The tool will typically show one of three statuses:
  - Return Received: The IRS has received your return and is processing it.
  - Refund Approved: Your refund has been approved, and a date for direct deposit or a mailed check will be provided.
  - Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent to your bank or mailed to you. Allow 1-5 business days for direct deposits to appear in your account, and several weeks for a mailed check to arrive.
- Important Note: The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool is updated once a day, usually overnight. So, checking multiple times a day won't give you new information.
Sub-heading: Using the IRS2Go Mobile App
- For convenience: If you prefer to track on your mobile device, the IRS also offers a free mobile app called IRS2Go.
- How to do it:
  1. Download the IRS2Go app from your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
  2. Open the app and select the "Refund Status" option.
  3. Enter the same information as you would on the "Where's My Refund?" website.
  4. You'll see the same status updates as the online tool.
Sub-heading: When to Expect Your Federal Refund
- E-filed returns: Most e-filed returns are processed and refunds issued within 21 days of IRS acceptance.
- Paper-filed returns: If you mailed your return (which is generally not recommended for speed), it can take 4 weeks or more for the IRS to even begin processing it, and then longer for the refund.
- Returns claiming certain credits: If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS is legally required to hold refunds for these until mid-February to help prevent fraud.

Step 3: Tracking Your State Tax Refund

Tracking your state refund is a separate process as it's handled by your individual state's tax agency.

Sub-heading: How to Find Your State's Refund Tracker
- Direct from TurboTax: TurboTax can often point you in the right direction.
  1. Sign in to your TurboTax account.
  2. Search for "state refund" in the help or search bar.
  3. Select the option that asks "How do I track my state refund?"
  4. Choose your specific state from the list. TurboTax will usually provide a direct link to your state's tax department website.
- General Search: If for any reason TurboTax doesn't provide a direct link, a quick Google search for "[Your State Name] tax refund status" will usually lead you to the official state government's tax website.
- What you'll need (typically):
  - Your Social Security Number (SSN)
  - The tax year
  - Your exact State Refund Amount
  - Sometimes: Your date of birth or other identifying information like your mailing address numbers.
Sub-heading: Variations in State Tracking
- Every state is different: Unlike the IRS, which has a unified system, each state has its own website and tracking process. Some are as straightforward as the IRS tool, while others might require more specific information or have less frequent updates.
- Patience is key: State refund processing times can vary significantly from state to state and often take longer than federal refunds. Be prepared to wait a few weeks or even longer, depending on your state and the complexity of your return.

Step 4: Understanding Potential Refund Delays

While most refunds are processed within expected timeframes, sometimes delays happen. Don't panic if yours is taking longer than anticipated.

Sub-heading: Common Reasons for Delays
- Errors on Your Return: Even a small typo in your name, SSN, or bank account number, or a mathematical error, can cause significant delays. The IRS or state may need to manually review your return or send you a letter requesting clarification.
- Identity Theft or Fraud: If the IRS suspects your return is related to identity theft or fraud, it will be held for further review. You might receive a letter from the IRS requesting verification of your identity.
- Claiming Certain Credits: As mentioned, if you claimed the EITC or ACTC, your federal refund will be held until mid-February.
- Mailed Returns: Paper-filed returns simply take much longer to process than e-filed ones.
- Amended Returns: If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X), it can take up to 16 weeks or more to process. You'll need to use the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool on the IRS website for these.
- IRS Review: Sometimes, the IRS simply selects returns for a more in-depth review. This doesn't necessarily mean there's an issue, but it will prolong the processing time. You'll typically be notified by mail if this is the case.
- Outstanding Debts: Your refund might be offset (reduced) if you owe money for things like past-due child support, federal student loans, or state taxes. You will receive a notice explaining any offset.
Sub-heading: What to Do if Your Refund is Delayed
- Check the official tools regularly: Continue to use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool and your state's refund tracker. They are updated daily (for the IRS) and will provide the most current information.
- Review your return: Go back into your TurboTax account and double-check the information you submitted. Are there any obvious errors you missed?
- Wait: The IRS typically asks taxpayers to wait at least 21 days after e-filing (or 4 weeks for paper returns) before contacting them directly. For state refunds, check your state's guidelines for when to call.
- Contact the IRS (if necessary): If the "Where's My Refund?" tool indicates a delay and advises you to contact the IRS, or if it's been significantly longer than the typical processing times, you can call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. Be prepared for potentially long wait times.
- Contact your State Tax Agency (if necessary): Similarly, if your state refund is severely delayed, look up the contact information for your state's Department of Revenue or taxation office.

Step 5: Receiving Your Refund

The final step is getting your money!

Sub-heading: Direct Deposit vs. Mailed Check
- Direct Deposit (Recommended): This is by far the fastest and most secure way to receive your refund. Once "Refund Sent" is displayed, it usually appears in your bank account within 1-5 business days. Ensure your bank account information entered in TurboTax was absolutely correct.
- Mailed Check: If you opted for a mailed check, it will take longer to arrive once the "Refund Sent" status appears, typically several weeks. If it doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, you may need to initiate a trace with the IRS or your state.