Waiting for the tax refund can be stressful, particularly for the three-quarters of taxpayers who rely on their refund for essentials such as rent, credit card bills, and medical debts, according to a January 2024 survey by CreditKarma.
When Will I Get My Tax Refund?
After electronically filing tax returns, a refund status becomes typically accessible within 48 hours on the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" website.
While the refund process typically takes up to 21 days for an e-filed return, it might take up to four weeks or longer for returns sent by mail or amended due to errors or those that need additional reviews, corrections, or forms, according to the IRS.
READ ALSO: Common Forms You Need to Know to File Your Taxes
How Can I Know My Tax Refund Status?
Tax refunds can be monitored through the IRS's "Where's My Refund" website or the IRS2Go app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or Amazon.
According to spokesperson Alejandra Castro's previous interview with NBC New York, IRS assistance center visitation does not expedite the refund process, but using the IRS2GO app or the "Where's My Refund?" section on the IRS website can quickly provide access to information and status of one's refund. Meanwhile, if a taxpayer has concerns about the status of their tax return or suspects an issue due to a prolonged delay, contacting the IRS or scheduling an appointment at one of the taxpayer assistance centers would be the best course of action to take instead.
Can I Directly Call the IRS About My Tax Refund?
According to the IRS, you should only make a call if it has been at least 21 days since you filed an electronic return or at least six weeks since you sent a paper return by mail.
For inquiries regarding individual federal returns, call 800-829-1040 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
You can also schedule an appointment to receive assistance at a nearby IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center, as the agency does not handle tax-related inquiries via email.
How Long Should I Keep My Tax Return Copies?
The IRS also advises retaining copies of your tax returns for at least three years.
Additional Resources: Tax Refund Advance Loan Institutions
There are also advance loan institutions if you cannot wait for your refund. H&R Block provides a no-interest tax refund advance loan up to $3,500 on the same day you file and offers a free tier for simple returns and a deluxe version that allows you to itemize deductions, report self-employment taxes, and receive assistance from both live experts and an AI tax assistant.
TurboTax provides a refund advance loan of up to $4,000 at 0% APR and with no fees by just opening a checking account with Credit Karma Money to receive the funds.
Jackson Hewitt also offers advances of up to $6,500 for eligible filers by scheduling an in-person appointment at a Jackson Hewitt office to file taxes and access this service.
RELATED ARTICLE: Federal Income Tax Brackets and Rates in 2024
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