You’ve filed your tax returns, waited for what seems like forever, you want to know, where’s my tax refund?!
Welcome to the club my friend.
First off, let’s level set expectations. If you e-filed, it can take up to three weeks to get your refund, assuming you don’t run into any filing issues. Filed by mail? It can take up to six weeks!
Based on this, the IRS only wants you to contact them IF:
- It’s been 3 weeks or more since you e-filed
- It’s been 6 weeks since you mailed your return
If you’re past this timeframe, then you need to visit the IRS website to check on the status of your return.
You will need:
- Your social security number or ITIN
- Your filing status (e.g., single, married)
- Your EXACT refund amount
While they don’t want you to contact them before that timeframe, you can still use the tool to check on the status of your refund. You must wait 24 hours after e-filing, and 4 weeks if you filed by mail.
The system is available 24 hours a day with a few exceptions.
The Where’s My Refund system isn’t available Monday’s from Midnight to 3am Eastern Time.
The Refund Trace system isn’t available during the following times.
Sunday 12:00 am (Midnight) to 7:00 pm
Monday 12:00 am (Midnight) to 6:00 am
Tuesday 3:30 am to 6:00 am
Wednesday 3:30 am to 6:00 am
Thursday 3:30 am to 6:00 am
Friday 3:30 am to 6:00 am
Saturday 3:30 am to 6:00 am and 9:00 pm to 12:00 am (Midnight)
