The Internal Revenue Service typically issues tax refunds within three weeks, but some people may have to wait a little longer. If there are any errors, or if you filed a claim for the earned income tax credit or the child tax credit, you may have to wait a long time.
The IRS expects severe delays in processing tax returns because of the COVID-19 pandemic, just as it did in 2021. This year, the agency encourages filing electronically and enrolling in direct deposit, which can help you collect your return within 21 days, assuming there are no errors.
"Filing a paper tax return this year means an extended refund delay," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig announced in a Jan. 24 statement.
You'll need some personal information to check the status of your 2021 income tax refund using the IRS tracker tools: your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number; your filing status (single, married, or head of household); and your refund amount in whole dollars, which you can find on your tax return. Before you start tracking your refund, make sure it's been at least 24 hours (or up to four weeks if you mailed your return).
Using the Where's My Refund? feature from the IRS , navigate to the Get Refund Status page, enter your personal information, and then click Submit. If you input your information correctly, you will be directed to a page that displays the status of your refund. If you don't, you could be prompted to validate your personal tax information and try again. If everything appears correct, you'll need to input the date you filed your taxes, as well as whether you did so electronically or on paper.
The IRS now has a mobile app called IRS2Go that allows you to monitor the status of your tax refund. It comes in two languages: English and Spanish. You'll be able to check whether or not your return was accepted, approved, and dispatched. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and expected return amount to log in.
The data in this tool is updated overnight by the IRS, so if you don't see a status change after 24 hours or more, come back the next day. You'll be given a tailored date to expect your money after your return and refund have been processed.
Though the chances of receiving live assistance are minimal, the IRS advises calling the agency directly only if it has been 21 days or more since you filed your taxes online, or if the Where's My Refund feature directs you to do so. During regular business hours, you can reach them at 800-829-1040 or 800-829-8374.
