Refunds | Internal Revenue Service

In this article, we will provide you with information on how refunds work and how to check the status of your refund. We will also discuss the different options for receiving your refund and what to do if you encounter any issues.

Table of Contents

• How Refunds Work
• Checking Your Refund Status
• When to Expect Your Refund
• Choosing How to Receive Your Refund
• Planning for Next Year's Refund
• Solving Refund Problems
• Phone Help

How Refunds Work

If you paid more in taxes throughout the year than you owe, you may be eligible for a refund. Even if you didn't pay any taxes, you may still qualify for a refund if you are eligible for a refundable credit.

Checking Your Refund Status

If you filed your return electronically, you can usually check the status of your refund within 48 hours using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. This tool allows you to track your refund for the current year as well as the past two years.

To check your refund status on an amended return, you will need to visit the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool. Please note that amended returns may take up to 3 weeks to appear in the system and up to 16 weeks to process.

When to Expect Your Refund

The processing time for refunds varies depending on the type of return and any additional review or corrections that may be required. Here are the general timeframes:

• Up to 21 days for e-filed returns
• 4 weeks or more for amended returns and returns filed by mail
• Longer processing time for returns that require corrections or extra review

Please note that the timing of your refund may change if you:

• Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit
• File a paper return
• File an amended return
• Request injured spouse relief
• File a Form 1040-NR, Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return
• Make an error on your return

Choosing How to Receive Your Refund

You have several options for receiving your refund:

1. Direct deposit: This is the fastest way to receive your refund. You can have it deposited into your checking, savings, or retirement account. You can also choose to split your refund into up to 3 accounts.
2. Paper check: If you prefer to receive a physical check, we will mail it to the address provided on your return. Make sure to notify us if you have changed your address.
3. Prepaid debit card: Some banks or card providers accept direct deposits. Check with your bank or card provider to see if your card is eligible and to obtain the necessary account numbers.
4. Mobile payment apps: Certain mobile payment apps also accept direct deposits. Check with the app provider for more information.
5. U.S. Savings Bonds: You can use your refund to purchase U.S. Savings Bonds. Visit our website to learn more about this option.

Planning for Next Year's Refund

If you want to adjust the amount of your refund for the next filing season, you can use the Tax Withholding Estimator. This tool will help you determine the appropriate amount of taxes to pay throughout the year.

Solving Refund Problems

If your refund is not what you expected, it may be due to corrections made on your return. You will receive a notice explaining the changes, and you can also find details in the "Where's My Refund?" tool.

There are a few other reasons why your refund may be different:

• Your refund was used to pay certain state or federal debts.
• Your refund from a joint return was applied to your spouse's debts.

If your refund is missing or destroyed, you can request a replacement check. If you entered the wrong account or routing number for direct deposit, please call us at 800-829-1040 to stop the deposit. If the funds have already been deposited into another account, you will need to contact your bank to recover the funds.

If you receive a refund that you are not entitled to, please return it promptly to the IRS.

Phone Help

If you have internet access, you can use the "Where's My Refund?" tool to get the latest information on your refund. However, if you don't have internet access, you can call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954 for current-year refunds or 866-464-2050 for amended returns.

If you believe there has been a mistake with your refund, please check the "Where's My Refund?" tool or your online account for more details.