Have you recently filed your tax return and are now wondering if the IRS has actually received it? It's a common concern, and thankfully, the IRS provides several reliable ways to help you verify the status of your submission. Whether you're expecting a refund or just want peace of mind, knowing your return has been received is the first step in the process.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps to confirm if the IRS has your tax return, along with valuable tips and frequently asked questions.
How Do I Know If the IRS Received My Tax Return? A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Engage with the "Where's My Refund?" Tool – Your First Stop!
Let's start with the most popular and efficient method. The IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool is a fantastic resource for individuals who are expecting a refund. Even if you're not getting a refund, it often still provides an initial status update on whether your return has been received.
Sub-heading: What You'll Need: Before you dive in, gather these essential pieces of information from your tax return:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your Filing Status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household).
- The exact whole dollar amount of the refund you claimed on your tax return. Even if you're not expecting a refund, you'll still need to input the refund amount as "0" if you originally filed for no refund or a balance due.
Sub-heading: How to Use the Tool:
- Visit the Official IRS Website: Go to
IRS.gov/refunds - Enter Your Information: Carefully enter your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
- Click "Submit": The tool will then display your refund status.
Sub-heading: Understanding the Status Messages: The "Where's My Refund?" tool typically shows three stages:
- Return Received: This means the IRS has successfully received your tax return. Congratulations, you're on the right track!
- Refund Approved: Your return has been processed, and your refund has been approved. The IRS is preparing to send it.
- Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent to your bank via direct deposit or mailed as a check.
Remember: The IRS updates this tool once a day, usually overnight. Checking more frequently won't provide new information. For e-filed returns, information is generally available within 24 hours of IRS acknowledgment. For paper returns, allow four weeks before checking.
Step 2: Utilize the IRS2Go Mobile App – On-the-Go Convenience
If you prefer to check your status from your smartphone or tablet, the IRS2Go mobile app offers the same functionality as the "Where's My Refund?" tool.
Sub-heading: How to Get Started:
- Download the App: Search for "IRS2Go" in your device's app store (available for both iOS and Android).
- Open and Navigate: Once downloaded, open the app and select the "Refund Status" option.
- Input Your Details: Just like the website tool, you'll need your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
The status messages are identical to those on the "Where's My Refund?" website, providing you with real-time updates wherever you are.
Step 3: Check Your Tax Software or E-File Provider (If Applicable)
If you used a tax software (like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, etc.) or an e-file service to submit your return, they often provide their own status trackers.
Sub-heading: How to Access This Information:
- Log into Your Account: Go to the website of the tax software or e-file provider you used.
- Look for "E-file Status" or "Order Status": Most providers have a dedicated section where you can view the transmission status of your return.
- Confirm IRS Acceptance: This tracker will usually tell you if your return was successfully transmitted to the IRS and, more importantly, if the IRS has accepted it. An acceptance notification from your software provider is a strong indicator that the IRS has received your return.
Important Note: While your software might show "accepted," the "Where's My Refund?" tool directly from the IRS will provide the most up-to-date processing and refund information.
Step 4: Request a Tax Return Transcript – For Deeper Verification
A tax return transcript is a summary of your tax return, including most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return as filed. While it won't explicitly say "received," the presence of a transcript for the tax year in question is definitive proof that the IRS has processed your return.
Sub-heading: How to Request a Transcript: You have a few options:
-
Online Account (Fastest):
- Go to
IRS.gov - You'll need to create an account or sign in with your existing credentials. This often involves a rigorous identity verification process.
- Once in your account, you can view, print, or download various transcript types. Look for the "Tax Return Transcript" for the relevant tax year.
- Go to
-
Get Transcript by Mail:
- Go to
IRS.gov/transcript - You'll need your SSN, date of birth, and the mailing address from your latest tax return.
- Allow 5 to 10 calendar days for the transcript to arrive by mail.
- Go to
-
By Phone (Automated Service):
- Call the automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946.
- Follow the prompts to request a tax return transcript by mail.
Keep in mind: Transcripts typically become available a few weeks after your return is processed. If your return was very recently filed, it might not be available yet.
Step 5: Contact the IRS Directly – When Other Methods Don't Work
If you've tried the above methods and are still unsure or if you're encountering an unusual delay, you might need to contact the IRS directly. Be prepared for potentially long wait times.
Sub-heading: When to Call the IRS: The IRS generally advises against calling them unless:
- It's been more than 21 days since you e-filed your return.
- It's been more than 6 weeks since you mailed a paper return.
- The "Where's My Refund?" tool specifically tells you to contact the IRS.
Sub-heading: IRS Contact Numbers:
- For individual tax inquiries: 1-800-829-1040 (7 AM to 7 PM local time, Monday through Friday).
- For TeleTax (automated refund information, updated weekly): 1-800-829-4477.
Pro Tip: The best times to call are generally Wednesday through Friday, earlier in the morning. Avoid calling on Mondays and Tuesdays, or during peak tax season, as wait times will be significantly longer.
Step 6: What if Your Refund is Delayed or Your Return Needs Review?
Sometimes, even after the IRS receives your return, the processing can take longer than the typical 21 days for e-filed returns. Several factors can cause delays:
- Errors on your return: Mathematical errors, incorrect SSNs, or missing information can cause your return to be flagged for manual review.
- Identity theft or fraud concerns: If the IRS suspects identity theft or fraud, they will take additional time to verify your information.
- Claiming certain credits: Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may experience delays as the IRS is legally required to hold refunds for these credits until mid-February to help prevent fraud.
- Injured Spouse Claim (Form 8379): If you filed this form, it can take up to 14 weeks to process.
- Paper-filed returns: These naturally take much longer to process than e-filed returns, often 6 to 8 weeks or more.
- Amended returns (Form 1040-X): Amended returns can take up to 16 weeks to process. You can check the status of an amended return using the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool at IRS.gov/amended.
The IRS will usually contact you by mail if they need more information to process your return. Be sure to respond promptly to any correspondence you receive from the IRS.
10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to checking your IRS tax return status, with quick answers:
How to Check the Status of My State Tax Return?
- Quick Answer: You'll need to visit your state's Department of Revenue or Taxation website. Each state has its own system for tracking state tax refunds.
How to Know if My E-filed Return Was Accepted by the IRS?
- Quick Answer: Your tax software or e-file provider will send you an email notification (or display a message in your account) confirming that your return was "accepted" by the IRS. You can also check the "Where's My Refund?" tool for "Return Received" status.
How to Check the Status of an Amended Tax Return?
- Quick Answer: Use the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool on IRS.gov. You'll need your SSN, date of birth, and ZIP code.
How to Get a Copy of My Tax Return if the IRS Has It?
- Quick Answer: You can request a tax return transcript through your IRS Online Account, by mail using Form 4506-T, or by calling the automated transcript service. For an exact photocopy of your return, you'll need to submit Form 4506 and pay a fee.
How to Track My Refund If It Was Direct Deposited?
- Quick Answer: The "Where's My Refund?" tool will show "Refund Sent" with the direct deposit date. After that, check your bank account on or after that date.
How to Know If My Mailed Paper Return Was Received?
- Quick Answer: Allow at least four weeks after mailing before checking the "Where's My Refund?" tool. The status will update to "Return Received" once it's processed. If more than 6 weeks have passed, consider calling the IRS.
How to Understand Why My Refund is Taking Longer Than 21 Days?
- Quick Answer: Delays can be due to errors on your return, identity theft concerns, claiming certain credits (like EITC/ACTC), filing an amended return, or filing a paper return. The "Where's My Refund?" tool may provide a message indicating a delay.
How to Respond to an IRS Letter About My Tax Return?
- Quick Answer: Read the letter carefully to understand what information the IRS needs. Gather the requested documents and respond by the deadline specified in the letter. You can often mail your response or, if instructed, upload documents through your IRS Online Account.
How to Contact the IRS About a Lost or Stolen Refund Check?
- Quick Answer: If it's been more than 28 days since the IRS mailed your refund check, you can initiate a trace. The "Where's My Refund?" tool may provide instructions, or you can call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1954 (Refund Hotline).
How to Prevent Delays in Receiving My Tax Refund in the Future?
- Quick Answer: Always e-file your return and choose direct deposit. Double-check all information, especially SSNs, bank account numbers, and routing numbers, to avoid errors. File accurately and on time.
