Has the IRS received your tax return? Let's find out!
It's completely normal to feel a bit anxious after submitting your tax return, especially when you're anticipating a refund. You've done your part, and now you want to know if the IRS has officially acknowledged it and whether your money is on its way. Good news! The IRS provides several convenient ways to track the status of your tax return, putting your mind at ease. Let's walk through the steps together to verify that your return has been received and what to expect next.
Step 1: Gather Your Essential Information (Don't Skip This!)
Before you dive into checking the status, you'll need a few key pieces of information from your tax return. Having these ready will save you time and frustration.
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): This is your unique identifier with the IRS.
- Your Filing Status: Whether you filed as Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er).
- The Exact Refund Amount
(if you're expecting one): This is crucial for verifying your identity with the IRS tools. Make sure it's the exact amount stated on your filed return, down to the last cent. If you don't have a refund, you'll still need your SSN/ITIN and filing status.
Step 2: Utilize the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" Tool (The Easiest Way!)
The "Where's My Refund?" tool is the primary and most efficient way to check the status of your federal income tax refund. It's available on the IRS website and through their mobile app.
Sub-heading 2.1: Accessing "Where's My Refund?" Online
- Open your web browser and navigate to the official IRS website:
www.irs.gov. - Locate and click on the "Where's My Refund?" link. It's usually prominently displayed on the homepage.
- Enter the required information:
- Your Social Security Number (or ITIN)
- Your Filing Status
- The exact Refund Amount (if applicable)
- Click "Submit."
Sub-heading 2.2: Using the IRS2Go Mobile App
- Download the IRS2Go app from your smartphone's app store (available for iOS and Android).
- Open the app and select the "Refund Status" option.
- Enter the same information as you would for the online tool.
- Tap "Submit."
Sub-heading 2.3: Understanding "Where's My Refund?" Statuses
The "Where's My Refund?" tool will typically show you one of three statuses:
- Return Received: This is the first and most important confirmation! It means the IRS has successfully received your tax return and is now processing it. You won't have a personalized refund date yet, but it's a positive sign.
- Refund Approved: This indicates that the IRS has processed your return, approved your refund, and is preparing to send it. At this stage, you will usually see a personalized refund date.
- Refund Sent: This means the IRS has sent your refund via direct deposit to your bank or mailed a paper check. If it's direct deposit, allow 1-5 business days for your bank to post the funds. If it's a paper check, it could take several weeks to arrive.
Remember: The tool updates once every 24 hours, usually overnight, so there's no need to check multiple times a day.
Step 3: Check Your E-File Software or Tax Preparer's Status (For E-Filers)
If you e-filed your return using tax software (like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, etc.) or through a tax preparer, you often have an additional layer of confirmation.
Sub-heading 3.1: Checking Through Tax Software
- Log in to your account on the tax software platform you used to file.
- Look for a "My Returns," "Filed Returns," or "E-file Status" section.
- You should see a status indicating whether your return was electronically submitted and accepted by the IRS. This acceptance usually happens within 24-48 hours of e-filing. This is separate from your refund status, but it confirms the IRS has your return.
Sub-heading 3.2: Contacting Your Tax Preparer
If you used a tax professional, they can often confirm the electronic submission and acceptance of your return. Don't hesitate to reach out to them for an update. They will typically have a record of the e-file acceptance.
Step 4: For Mailed Returns: Allow More Time and Consider Tracking
Paper-filed returns naturally take much longer to process than e-filed returns. The IRS typically advises allowing four weeks or more after mailing your paper return before you can expect to see any updates on "Where's My Refund?".
Sub-heading 4.1: Why Paper Returns Take Longer
- Manual Processing: Paper returns require manual handling, scanning, and data entry, which is a slower process than automated electronic filing.
- Mail Delays: The time it takes for your return to physically reach the IRS mail facility can vary.
Sub-heading 4.2: Using Mail Tracking Services
If you mailed your return via certified mail, USPS tracking, or a private delivery service, you can use their tracking numbers to confirm delivery to the IRS facility. This confirms delivery, but not necessarily that the IRS has begun processing it.
Step 5: If You Received a Notice or Letter from the IRS
Occasionally, the IRS might send you a notice or letter (such as a 5071C, 5747C, or 5447C) requesting identity verification or additional information.
Sub-heading 5.1: Identity and Tax Return Verification Service
- If you receive one of these letters, it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully. The letter will typically direct you to the IRS's online Identity and Tax Return Verification Service.
- You'll need the letter itself, your filed tax return, and sometimes prior-year tax information or supporting documents (like W-2s, 1099s).
- Completing this verification will allow the IRS to continue processing your return. Failure to respond can significantly delay your refund.
Step 6: When to Contact the IRS Directly (Last Resort)
While the online tools are highly recommended, there might be situations where you need to speak with an IRS representative. Be prepared for potentially long wait times.
Sub-heading 6.1: IRS Phone Numbers
- For individual tax returns: Call 1-800-829-1040.
- For questions about a business tax return: Call 1-800-829-4933.
- IRS TeleTax System (recorded information): 1-800-829-4477 or 1-800-829-1954 (Refund Hotline). Note that TeleTax updates weekly, usually on weekends.
Sub-heading 6.2: Information to Have Ready for a Phone Call
When you call, have the same information prepared as for the "Where's My Refund?" tool: your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and exact refund amount. Also, be ready to answer security questions to verify your identity.
The IRS phone assistors have access to the same information as the "Where's My Refund?" tool, so typically, you'll only gain new information if your situation is complex or has been under review for an extended period.
Step 7: Understanding Processing Times and Potential Delays
Even after the IRS has received your return, processing times can vary.
Sub-heading 7.1: Typical Processing Times
- E-filed returns with direct deposit: Most refunds are issued within 21 days.
- Paper-filed returns: Can take 6 to 8 weeks or even longer.
- Amended returns (Form 1040-X): Can take up to 16 weeks to process.
Sub-heading 7.2: Common Reasons for Delays
- Errors or Incompleteness: Mistakes on your return (incorrect SSN, missing information) can lead to delays.
- Claiming Certain Credits: Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may be subject to review, and the IRS cannot issue refunds for these before mid-February, even if filed earlier.
- Identity Theft or Fraud Suspicions: If the IRS suspects identity theft or fraud, they will flag your return for additional review, which can cause significant delays.
- Return Needs Additional Review: Some returns are simply selected for a more in-depth review, even if no errors are apparent.
- Unpaid Taxes or Debts: Your refund might be offset to cover outstanding federal or state debts, child support, or other obligations.
- Filing a Paper Return: As mentioned, paper returns inherently take longer.
Conclusion: Patience is Key
Verifying that the IRS has received your tax return is generally a straightforward process thanks to their online tools. While most refunds are issued quickly, understanding the various processing stages and potential delays can help manage your expectations. The "Where's My Refund?" tool is your best friend in this journey! Keep an eye on it, and if you encounter unusual delays or receive a notice, address it promptly.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to know if the IRS accepted my e-filed return?
You will typically receive an acknowledgment from your tax software or tax preparer within 24-48 hours of e-filing, confirming that the IRS has accepted your return. You can also check the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which will show "Return Received."
How to check the status of a mailed tax return?
For mailed returns, use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app. Allow at least four weeks from the mailing date for your return to show up in their system. If you used certified mail, you can track its delivery to the IRS.
How to find out if my tax refund has been sent?
The "Where's My Refund?" tool will update its status to "Refund Sent" and provide a date when your refund has been issued. If it's a direct deposit, allow 1-5 business days for it to appear in your bank account; for a paper check, allow several weeks for mail delivery.
How to track an amended tax return?
You can track an amended tax return (Form 1040-X) using the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool on the IRS website. Amended returns take significantly longer to process, typically up to 16 weeks.
How to get a tax transcript to verify my return was received?
While you can order a tax transcript from the IRS (which shows processed information), ordering one will not speed up your refund or provide more real-time status than "Where's My Refund?". It's primarily for verifying past tax information.
How to contact the IRS about a delayed refund?
If your refund is significantly delayed beyond the typical processing times (e.g., more than 21 days for e-filed, or 8 weeks for paper-filed) and the "Where's My Refund?" tool doesn't provide a clear explanation, you can call the IRS Taxpayer Assistance line at 1-800-829-1040.
How to respond to an IRS letter asking for identity verification?
If you receive a letter (like 5071C, 5747C, or 5447C) requesting identity verification, follow the instructions exactly. This usually involves using the IRS's online Identity and Tax Return Verification Service, or calling the number on the letter.
How to know if my refund will be offset for a debt?
The IRS will usually send you a notice if your refund is being offset to pay a past-due federal or state debt, child support, or other obligations. You can also contact the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) at 1-800-304-3107.
How to correct an error on my already filed tax return?
If you realize you made an error on your tax return after filing, you will need to file an amended tax return using Form 1040-X. Be aware that amended returns take longer to process.
How to understand why my refund is taking longer than 21 days?
Common reasons for refunds taking longer than 21 days include claiming the EITC or ACTC (refunds generally issued mid-February or later for these credits), errors on your return, your return being selected for additional review, or suspicion of identity theft. The IRS will usually contact you by mail if more information is needed.
