Have you filed your federal tax return and are waiting to hear about the processing status? Filling out the tax return is hard, with the amount of information you need to put in. And, after diligently filling it out and double-checking every digit and space, you send it in only to be in the dark, not knowing if the IRS has processed it or not.
It happens because you are unaware of where to check the status of the federal tax return, but by staying informed, you can focus on your important work without feeling left out. We focus on the different methods for checking the status of your refund in this blog to help you understand the tracking process for your tax return.
Understanding Tax Return Processing
The IRS takes time to verify information input in the tax returns by the taxpayers; that is why the tax return processing time is different for each tax return filed. Some are processed quickly in a matter of weeks, but some others take ages, say months even.
There are estimated timelines the IRS may have for processing confirmed tax refunds, but you should still know where to check the status of the federal tax return.
📌 Additional Info Here are some factors the time taken by the IRS in processing your tax return depends on:
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Online Methods to Check Your Federal Tax Return Status
Wondering where to check the state of the federal tax return? Here are the best online methods to track your federal tax return status quickly and easily:
IRS Where’s My Refund Tool?
The IRS Where’s My Refund Tool allows taxpayers to check their tax refund status online within 24 hours of e-filing the return. You don’t need to check it more than once in a day, though, since the website updates its information once per day overnight.
To use this tool, you need to fill in your social security number, the tax year for which the return was filed, the filing status as shown on the tax return, and the exact refund amount mentioned in the tax return in dollars.
IRS2Go Mobile App
You can also use the IRS2Go app to track and check tax return status online. This app can be used in both English and Spanish and has other useful features apart from being able to track the IRS refund status online, such as making payments with IRS Direct Pay and getting free tax help. With the IRS2Go mobile app, you know where to check the status of the federal tax return at your ease.
The mobile has free online tax software that helps in tax preparation, filing for returns, and tracking it. In case you need in-person help, visit an offline center for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (CTE), which helps certain eligible taxpayers.
If you don’t qualify for free tax assistance, you can contact our team at Hopkins CPA Firm to get our expert IRS tax preparation and filing services.
Phone and In-Person Options
You can also check the status of the federal tax return offline by using the methods given below:
IRS Refund Hotline
You can use the IRS refund hotline service to check the return status. Call 800-829-1040 if you are an individual taxpayer between 7:00 a.m. in the morning and 7:00 p.m. in the evening, according to your local time.
Representatives answering your call will need the following details from you: your social security number, your birth date, your filing status, your prior-year tax return, and the tax return you are calling about to verify your identity before discussing your personal information. Keep this information handy before calling to ensure a quick update.
Visiting Local IRS Offices
You can visit your local IRS taxpayer assistance center (TAC) to get more information on your tax refund status. Locate the nearest TAC office using the IRS office locator tool. Call 844-545-5640 before visiting to schedule an appointment to resolve your query.
Note 👇 You need to bring the below-given list of items with you for your appointment at the IRS tax assistance center:
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Common Reasons for Delays in Tax Return Processing
Delays may happen in processing your IRS tax return even after it has been filed. Although you know where to check the status of the federal tax return, increased wait times due to processing can still be stressful. Here are some common reasons why your tax return may take time to process:
- When an incomplete tax return is filed: If the information on a filed tax return is missing, it may take longer to process.
- Errors in the calculation of taxes on the return: When errors are made in the tax return, the IRS has to verify it multiple times before the refund can be processed.
- Filing a paper tax return: The paper returns need to be mailed, and once they are received, officials need to input it by hand into the computers, which takes time.
- Amended return: Amending errors on an already filed tax return increases the time it takes to process tax refunds.
- Social security number mismatch: The IRS verified the social security number before proceeding with processing refunds, and a mismatch can increase the wait time for a refund.
- Incorrect direct deposit information: Inaccurate information for the direct deposit method can delay your tax refund significantly, as it can take weeks or even months to correct.
You may have filed your tax return on time, but even if you make a single mistake, you risk delaying the tax refund by months. It is always a good idea to get help from an expert tax filing service provider to get your refund on time. Once the return is filed, Hopkins CPA Firm will let you know where to check the status of the federal tax return.
Low Risk
– E-filed returns
– Complete information
– Verified SSN
Processing time: 21 days or less
Medium Risk
– Paper filing
– Minor calculation errors
– Basic amendments
Processing time: 6-8 weeks
High Risk
– Incomplete returns
– SSN mismatch
– Wrong deposit information
Processing time: 2-3 months or more
Tips to avoid delays
1. Double-check all numbers and calculations before submitting
2. Use e-filing instead of paper returns when possible
3. Verify your Social security number multiple times
4. Ensure all required forms and schedules are included
5. Triple-check direct deposit information
What to Do If Your Refund Is Delayed?
It takes three weeks for your tax refund to be processed when you file the tax return electronically and four weeks when the return has been mailed offline. If the IRS detects any errors in the tax return, they will contact you over email, so keep an eye on it. You can simply stay updated on it by knowing where to check the status of the federal tax return.
However, if the turnaround time tax for return processing as per the method of your filing is already over and you are not able to check tax refund status online using the relevant IRS tool, you may call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. Call 866-464-2050 to get updates on the refund for an amended return.
You can also avail yourself of tax resolution services from Hopkins CPA Firm for expert advice and solutions customized to your tax return situation.
Tips for Faster Processing and Refund Delivery
There can be many reasons for delays in receiving a tax refund, and it generally happens because of the time taken in processing the filed return. Although you now know where to check the status of the federal tax return, decreasing the time taken to process the return starts with filing it accurately.
Here is a checklist to help you avoid common errors made:
Before Filing
Keep all tax-related paperwork with you at the time of filing, such as:
- Forms W-2 and 1099
- Tax credits and deductions paperwork
- Tax return from the previous year.
During Filing
Ensure accuracy and security by following these steps:
- Use an electronic filing method, such as the IRS Free File, if possible, for quicker processing and more accuracy.
- Input the correct filing status.
- Double-check personal information like name, birthdate, and social security number.
- Fill in answers for the digital assets questions accurately.
- Report all taxable income.
- Double-check the account number and banking routing you provide.
- Sign and date the form before submission.
After Filing
Protect and follow up on your filing with these actions:
- If a paper return is filed and the mailing paper returns, ensure you verify the mailing address before sending it in again.
- Keep a copy of the tax return with you.
- Request an extension in the filing date if needed by filling out and submitting Form 4868.
Contact Hopkins CPA Firm to Manage your Tax Return Filing Process
Filing a tax return and tracking it can confuse a lot of taxpayers, resulting in errors in filing that may delay receiving your tax refund. From calculations to filling in accurate information, there are simply too many things to keep track of, such as personal information, income sources declared when filing, and filling in the refund amount owed to you by the IRS.
When you avail yourself of tax preparation and filing services with Hopkins CPA Firm, though, you get experts who help you with filing tax returns. You can also track it after it is filed at your end, as we do provide you detailed information on where to check the status of the federal tax return.
FAQ's
How long does it take for the IRS to update the refund status after filing?
The time taken by the IRS to update the refund status depends on the method using which you filed your tax return. If you filed it electronically, it is updated just 24 hours after you file it. If you file the return of the previous year electronically, you can check for updates three or four days after filing. You must wait four weeks before you check the update after filing a paper tax return.
Can I check my tax return status if I filed by mail instead of electronically?
If you filed your tax return by mail instead of by electronic means, you can still use all online and offline methods mentioned above in the blog, such as the IRS Where’s My Refund tool and visiting your nearest IRS office. Filing by mail on paper does not change the method for tracking the refund, but it is slower, and updates show up 4 weeks after the paper return has been filed.
What should I do if the Where's My Refund tool shows no information about my return?
Ensure that at least 24 hours have passed if you filed your tax return electronically before checking for updates on the Where’s My Refund tool provided by the IRS. If you filed a paper return, the wait time before checking for updates becomes at least four weeks.
If there are any issues with the return you filed, the IRS will alert you via email, so keep an eye out. If the time passed exceeds the above-given timeline as per the filing method, you can call an IRS representative for updates at 800-829-1040.
Is there a way to speak with a live IRS representative about my refund status?
Ensure that you know where to check the status of the federal tax return and that you use it before calling. In order to inquire about the refund status with a live IRS representative, call 800-829-1040 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. with your queries. However, before the personal information can be disclosed, the representative will verify your identity, so prepare your social security number, birthdate, filing status, tax return from the previous year and the current one you are calling about, and any correspondence received from the IRS beforehand.
How often should I check my refund status, and can checking too frequently delay my refund?
You can check the refund status by making use of the IRS Where’s My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app online. If you want to connect with an IRS representative over a call, 800-829-1040 is the toll-free number you can use. Calling the IRS Refund Hotline cannot decrease the processing time, though.
