Someday My Refund Will Come… Right?
Where’s My Refund?
Most refunds that are E-Filed and Direct Deposited are done in 21 days
You can check the status of your federal return with the IRS, or call about a delayed return
The IRS has a video about refunds
So you filed your taxes and now you’re waiting for that yearly blessing… your refund! As you wait for that cash to drop, here are some things to keep in mind.
Most refunds are done quickly!
According to the IRS, they “issue[ ] more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.” So if your taxes were filed yesterday, just sit tight. More likely than not, you’re going to get your refund in less than a month.
But it may take a little while…
Depending on your situation, your refund may take more than the standard 21 days. What a pain, right? There are a variety of reasons that may be A Thing, some of which are:
Your return needs to be looked at more thoroughly
The return includes Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation), which can take up to 14 weeks to process
You submitted a claim for an Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit
You’ve been a victim of identity theft or fraud
But where IS my refund?
If it’s been more than 21 days and you want to know where your refund is, don’t fret! On the IRS website, you can check the status of your refund. You’ll need to input your social security number, your filing status, and the exact amount of your refund.
The IRS even has a mobile app available for anyone who is more on their phone or tablet, rather than a desktop.
The IRS isn’t the only tax department to let you check your refund status online. Many states let you check the status of your state refund. New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania all have similar tools.
How can I get my refund the fastest?!
Want to speed up your refund? It’s easy! Make sure you e-file your taxes and sign up for Direct Deposit. The biggest time sink for getting a refund is the postal system, as it takes many days for printed paper and checks to travel across the country. That same distance can be covered in an instant by the 1’s and 0’s of computer code.
So if you’re curious about your refund status, you can check it online. And if the tool says your refund is delayed, you can contact the IRS for more information. And no matter how long it takes, getting that refund in your account will ensure you have a Good Day!