The IRS has a tool called “Where’s my refund?” that people can use to track the status of their tax refund. This tool is designed to provide detailed refund status updates, using plain language messages that should reduce the need for taxpayers to call the IRS. The IRS has warned that so far this filing season, tax refunds are 29% smaller than they were during the same time a year ago. For those who receive the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, most people will receive the money by Feb. 27 if they use direct deposit or a refund on a debit card.
In addition, others who e-file their returns can usually see their refund status on the tool about 48 hours after filing. However, if you take those credits, the IRS said you’ll have to wait until Feb. 17 to see updated projected deposit dates on the “Where’s my refund” tool. For those who need to check on an amended return, the IRS has a separate tool called “Where’s my Amended Return?” to do so. Finally, the IRS mentioned that it usually takes up to 21 days for the IRS to process your refund if you e-filed your return. Amended returns and those sent by mail can take up to four weeks or more, and longer if your return needs corrections or extra review.
