The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days. However, it’s possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer. The IRS’ Where’s My Refund? tool has the most up to date information available about your refund. The tool is updated daily so you don’t need to check more often.
Visit the IRS’ Where’s My Refund? site
Our phone and walk-in representatives can research the status of your return if it’s been 21 days or more since you filed electronically, more than 6 weeks since you mailed your paper return.
You can use the tool to start checking on the status of your return within 24 hours after we have received your e-filed return or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return. Where’s My Refund? has a tracker that displays progress through 3 stages: (1) Return Received, (2) Refund Approved and (3) Refund Sent.
You will get personalized refund information based on the processing of your tax return. The tool will provide an actual refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund.
Use Direct Deposit for fastest refund
Join the eight in 10 taxpayers who get their refunds faster by using e-file and direct deposit. It’s always been the safest, fastest way to receive your refund, but is even more so in these uncertain times. It is also easy to use. Just select it as your refund method through your tax software and type in the account number and routing number. Or, tell your tax preparer you want direct deposit. You can even use direct deposit if you are one of the few people still filing by paper. Be sure to double check your entry to avoid errors.
Your routing and account numbers can be found on the bottom of your checks, through your online banking application or by contacting your financial institution directly. Do not enter the number on your bank card.
If you have a prepaid debit card, you may be able to have your refund applied to the card. Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers that you could provide to the IRS. You would need to check with the financial institution to ensure your card can be used and to obtain the routing number and account number, which may be different from the card number.
Your refund should only be deposited directly into U.S. bank or U.S. bank affiliated accounts that are in your own name; your spouse’s name or both if it’s a joint account. No more than three electronic refunds can be deposited into a single financial account or pre-paid debit card. Taxpayers who exceed the limit will receive an IRS notice and a paper refund.
Whether you file electronically or on paper, direct deposit gives you access to your refund faster than a paper check. Refunds that are direct deposited are not delayed for disaster and other weather-related events affecting mail delivery.
Pinnacle CPA Advisory Group: Here for all your accounting needs
This tax season has concluded, but the experts at the Pinnacle CPA Advisory Group remain available to handle all your individual and business accounting services. ‘Leading small businesses and individuals to success’ isn’t just our motto. It’s our mission. To set up an appointment to review any tax or accounting issue, call us at (614) 942-1990, reach us by email at info@cpaagi.com, or just fill out our Contact form at cpaagi.com/contact.