According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxpayers who submitted electronically and were found to have error-free tax returns may expect to get their refunds within 21 days of filing.
However, reports of those who submitted their taxes weeks ago and have yet to get their refunds continue to surface. Unfortunately, it appears that this year's tax season will be beset by long delays due to the pandemic.
"It's taking us longer than normal to process mailed correspondence and more than 21 days to issue refunds," the IRS writes on its website.
To check the status of your 2021 income tax refund using the IRS tracker tools, you'll need the following personal information: 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. Make sure it's been at least 24 hours before you begin tracking your refund (or up to four weeks if you mailed your return).
Where's My Refund?
Navigate to the Get Refund Status page using the IRS's Where's My Refund? tool, enter your personal information, and then click Submit. You will be taken to a page that reveals the status of your refund if you enter your information correctly. If you don't, you may be asked to verify your personal tax information before proceeding. If everything seems accurate, enter the date you submitted your taxes and whether you did so electronically or on paper.
IRS2Go
Meanwhile, there is also IRS2Go, a mobile app from the IRS that allows you to track the status of your tax return. It is available in two languages: English and Spanish. You will be able to see if your return was accepted, approved, and dispatched. To log in, you'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and projected return amount.
The IRS updates the data in this tool overnight, so if you don't see a status change after 24 hours or more, check again the next day. After your return and refund have been completed, you will be given a specific date to anticipate your money.
The IRS recommends phoning 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 tool directs you to do so. You can reach them at 800-829-1040 or 800-829-8374 during regular business hours.
