Where’s My Refund? 2013 Edition

Where's my Refund“Where’s my Refund?” This popular feature on the IRS web site (www.irs.gov) allows you to see the status of your refund after filing your income tax return.

Since the IRS only started processing tax returns after January 30th and did not start accepting tax returns with educational credits or adoption credits until late in February, when can you expect to see your refund? Per the IRS, 9 out of 10 refunds are being processed within 21 days.

If you wish to check on the status of your refund this is what you should know:

When to check:

  • 72 hours after an e-filed tax return confirmation
  • 4 weeks after a mailed tax return is sent
What you need to provide:

  • Social Security number
  • Filing Status
  • EXACT refund amount

How often to check?

  • Once a day. The IRS only updates the status of your return once a day, usually overnight. This is important because too many refund status requests can limit your ability to access this feature on the IRS web site.

Some returns will be delayed.

If your tax return has errors in it, it will be delayed. In addition, your tax return could be delayed if it has items on it that are not ready to be processed due to late tax law changes. This includes tax returns with the following information:

  • Depreciation
  • Energy Credits
  • General Business Credits

But perhaps most importantly, the IRS may delay processing your refund if it has questions, often to ensure you are not being subject to identity fraud.

To check on your status simply logon to www.irs.gov and click on the link on the top center portion of the IRS home page.