5 Easy Steps to Track the Status of Your Tax Refund

By: Dan Cooper

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IRS Continues to Receive Tax Returns for Tax Year 2022

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is still accepting tax returns for the tax year 2022 even during the 2023 tax season. The tax agency will process tax returns until the deadline, which falls on April 18 this year. In case taxpayers need extra time to file, those who request an extension have until October 16 to submit their return. Moreover, taxpayers who are situated in a disaster area may have more time to file.

Refunds and How to Check Their Status

As the IRS processes returns, it also begins to release refunds. After taxpayers file their returns and the IRS approves it, the tax agency allows up to 21 days to send the refund to those who choose direct deposit. On the other hand, those who prefer to receive their refund through postal mail may receive it after six to twelve weeks.

If the return has been processed and approved by the IRS, taxpayers can track their refund using either of the two tools: Where’s my Refund or IRS2Go app. Through either of the two, the taxpayers can check the status of the refund using the following messages:

– Received: The IRS has received the tax return, but it has not yet been processed.
– Approved: The IRS has received and processed the return, confirming the tax refund’s value.
– Sent: The refund has been sent and will arrive through direct deposit in the taxpayer’s bank account or through postal mail in the form of a paper check.

Missing Refund: What to Do

It does not necessarily mean that the refund is lost if it has not arrived after 21 days or six weeks for those who choose postal mail. Some returns may take more time owing to errors, inaccuracies, or claimed tax credits, prompting a thorough review process.

If taxpayers have already filed their tax returns and have not received their refunds, they should notify the IRS only if:

– It has been 21 days or more since the tax return was filed electronically.
– It has been more than six weeks since the taxpayer mailed their paper return.
– The Where’s my Refund tool indicates a possible issue.
– The IRS has contacted the taxpayer by mail to request additional information.

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