Where's my tax refund?

Did you know that 75% of U.S. taxpayers are expecting a refund this year?  If you're wondering when you'll get your money, you have several ways to check.


Call the IRS
Call 1-800-829-1040.  Before you call, you'll need to provide your Social Security number, your filing status -- single, married filing either jointly or separately, head of household, or qualifying widow or widower -- and the amount of your expected refund, as shown on your tax return, rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
Also, consider how long it has been since you filed. You may not have given the IRS enough time to process your return.
If you e-filed, you should give the IRS at least 72 hours before calling about your refund status. If you instead sent in your return through the mail, you should wait at least three weeks before checking your federal tax refund status. If you call sooner, they probably won’t have anything to report.


The IRS Website
Go to www.irs.gov and choose the "Where's My Refund" tool. Just like when you call the IRS, you will need to provide your Social Security number, your filing status -- single, married filing either jointly or separately, head of household, or qualifying widow or widower -- and the amount of your expected refund, as shown on your tax return, rounded to the nearest whole dollar. The tool is updated every Wednesday.


IRS2Go  - Smart Phone App
For iPhone and Android phone users. You can download the free app at the Apple App store or Android Marketplace. Input the same three pieces of information -- Social Security number, filing status and expected refund -- to find out when you'll get your money. (Next year, be sure to choose direct deposit if you're filing your return electronically; you may receive your refund in as little as ten days.)