Where's My Refund?

Are you expecting a tax refund this year? Here are five things the IRS wants you to know about your refund.

1. How can I receive my refund as a direct deposit? You have three options for receiving your individual federal income tax refund: direct deposit, U.S. Savings Bonds or a paper check.If you want direct deposit, you may use Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (Including Savings Bond Purchases), to request that your refund be allocated by direct deposit among up to three separate accounts, such as checking or savings or retirement accounts. You may also use this form to buy U.S Savings Bonds.

2. When can I expect my return once I have filed? If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued within six to eight weeks from the date it is received. If you filed electronically, your refund normally is issued within three weeks after the acknowledgment date.

3. How can I check to see whether my refund has been processed? The fastest and easiest way to find out about your current year refund is to go to IRS.gov and click the “Where’s My Refund?” link at the IRS.gov home page. To check the status online you will need your Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund shown on your return. You can check the status of your refund over the phone by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800–829–1954. When you call, you will need to provide your Social Security number, your filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of the refund shown on your return.

4. My refund seems to be delayed. How can I know if there is a problem? There are several reasons for delayed refunds. For things that may delay the processing of your return, refer to Tax Topic 303 available on the IRS website, which includes a Checklist of Common Errors When Preparing Your Tax Return.

5. My refund amount is not what I expected. What should I do next? If you receive a refund to which you are not entitled, or one for an amount that is more than you expected, do not cash the check until you receive a notice explaining the difference. Follow the instructions on the notice. If you receive a refund for a smaller amount than you expected, you may cash the check. If it is determined that you should have received more, you will later receive a check for the difference. If you did not receive a notice and you have questions about the amount of your refund, wait two weeks after receiving the refund, then call 800–829–1040.

For more information about your expected refund, you can visit the IRS website, or call 800-829-1040.