Get your tax refund faster: 3 simple steps to track it right now!
- Replies 0
As the tax season rolls in, Americans across the country are diligently filing their tax returns, anticipating the potential refunds that might come their way
Tax time can be a mix of hope for a nice refund and the anxiety of navigating the IRS's processes.
Here’s a guiding hand through the maze of tax season, ensuring you can track your refund with ease and confidence.
Before we dive into the steps, let's talk about why tracking your refund is so crucial.
For many, a tax refund is more than just a happy bonus; it's a significant financial boost that can help cover expenses, pay down debt, or fund a well-deserved vacation.
Knowing when that money will arrive is key to planning your financial moves for the year.
Moreover, the IRS gives you a three-year window to claim a tax refund.
This means if you've overpaid on your taxes through the year, you're entitled to get that money back. But it's up to you to claim it, and the clock is ticking.
The IRS kicked off the new tax season on January 27, and most refunds are expected to be issued within 21 days.
With the IRS processing over 140 million individual returns, it's essential to keep tabs on your refund to ensure it doesn't get lost in the shuffle.
Your refund status will show up in about 24 hours after electronically filing a current-year return, the IRS stated.
Meanwhile, it might take 4 days to find your refund status after the online filing of a prior-year return.
A paper return takes the longest to verify your refund status–it takes up to four weeks following your filing of a paper version.
To find out what’s happening with your refund, follow these steps:
Step 1: To check the status of your refund, you'll need three pieces of information:
- Your Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
- Your filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly, etc.)
- The exact refund amount listed on your return
Step 2: The IRS has made it convenient to check your refund status using several methods:
- Online: Visit the IRS's “Where's My Refund?” tool, which updates your refund status 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return or four days after filing a prior-year return online. If you filed a paper return, expect to wait four weeks for an update.
- Mobile App: Download the IRS2Go app to check your refund status on the go.
- Online Account: Access your tax information through your IRS online account for a comprehensive view of your tax records.
- Amended Returns: If you filed an amended return, use the “Where's My Amended Return?” tool to track its progress.
Step 3: Once you've entered your information, you'll see one of three stages regarding your refund:
- Received and being processed
- Approved and scheduled for issuance on a specified date
- Sent to your bank or mailed as a check
Source: Money Instructor / Youtube.
Keep in mind that refunds sent to your bank may take up to five days to reflect in your account. If you opted for a check by mail, be prepared for a longer wait, potentially several weeks.
Be careful as well when selecting a legitimate tax professional. The IRS warns against “ghost” preparers who refuse to sign the tax return as the paid preparer.
Always verify that your tax preparer has a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and check their credentials and disciplinary actions on the Better Business Bureau website.
Discuss service fees upfront, and never sign a blank or incomplete return. For more detailed guidance, visit the IRS help page.
According to Experian, your refund might be larger in 2025 due to inflation-related adjustments to the standard deduction and tax brackets for the 2024 tax year.
If your financial situation remains consistent, these adjustments could mean a slightly bigger refund when you file your 2024 taxes.
The federal tax filing deadline is April 15, with a few exceptions like Maine and Massachusetts who have until April 17 to file due to statewide holidays. If your refund is delayed, it may be due to necessary corrections or additional reviews by the IRS.
Also read: Want your tax refund faster than everyone else? Follow this IRS process now! | Why the IRS could owe you extra money this tax season
Have you already filed your taxes, or are you still preparing? Do you have any tips for tracking refunds or choosing a tax professional? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
Tax time can be a mix of hope for a nice refund and the anxiety of navigating the IRS's processes.
Here’s a guiding hand through the maze of tax season, ensuring you can track your refund with ease and confidence.
Before we dive into the steps, let's talk about why tracking your refund is so crucial.
For many, a tax refund is more than just a happy bonus; it's a significant financial boost that can help cover expenses, pay down debt, or fund a well-deserved vacation.
Knowing when that money will arrive is key to planning your financial moves for the year.
Moreover, the IRS gives you a three-year window to claim a tax refund.
The IRS has begun processing federal individual returns for the 2024 tax year, with most refunds issued within 21 days. Image source: PIX11 News / Youtube.
This means if you've overpaid on your taxes through the year, you're entitled to get that money back. But it's up to you to claim it, and the clock is ticking.
The IRS kicked off the new tax season on January 27, and most refunds are expected to be issued within 21 days.
With the IRS processing over 140 million individual returns, it's essential to keep tabs on your refund to ensure it doesn't get lost in the shuffle.
Your refund status will show up in about 24 hours after electronically filing a current-year return, the IRS stated.
Meanwhile, it might take 4 days to find your refund status after the online filing of a prior-year return.
A paper return takes the longest to verify your refund status–it takes up to four weeks following your filing of a paper version.
To find out what’s happening with your refund, follow these steps:
Step 1: To check the status of your refund, you'll need three pieces of information:
- Your Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN)
- Your filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly, etc.)
- The exact refund amount listed on your return
Step 2: The IRS has made it convenient to check your refund status using several methods:
- Online: Visit the IRS's “Where's My Refund?” tool, which updates your refund status 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return or four days after filing a prior-year return online. If you filed a paper return, expect to wait four weeks for an update.
- Mobile App: Download the IRS2Go app to check your refund status on the go.
- Online Account: Access your tax information through your IRS online account for a comprehensive view of your tax records.
- Amended Returns: If you filed an amended return, use the “Where's My Amended Return?” tool to track its progress.
Step 3: Once you've entered your information, you'll see one of three stages regarding your refund:
- Received and being processed
- Approved and scheduled for issuance on a specified date
- Sent to your bank or mailed as a check
Source: Money Instructor / Youtube.
Keep in mind that refunds sent to your bank may take up to five days to reflect in your account. If you opted for a check by mail, be prepared for a longer wait, potentially several weeks.
Be careful as well when selecting a legitimate tax professional. The IRS warns against “ghost” preparers who refuse to sign the tax return as the paid preparer.
Always verify that your tax preparer has a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and check their credentials and disciplinary actions on the Better Business Bureau website.
Discuss service fees upfront, and never sign a blank or incomplete return. For more detailed guidance, visit the IRS help page.
According to Experian, your refund might be larger in 2025 due to inflation-related adjustments to the standard deduction and tax brackets for the 2024 tax year.
If your financial situation remains consistent, these adjustments could mean a slightly bigger refund when you file your 2024 taxes.
The federal tax filing deadline is April 15, with a few exceptions like Maine and Massachusetts who have until April 17 to file due to statewide holidays. If your refund is delayed, it may be due to necessary corrections or additional reviews by the IRS.
Also read: Want your tax refund faster than everyone else? Follow this IRS process now! | Why the IRS could owe you extra money this tax season
Have you already filed your taxes, or are you still preparing? Do you have any tips for tracking refunds or choosing a tax professional? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
