How to Check Your Tax Refund Status

In the current climate of uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many taxpayers are eagerly awaiting their tax refunds to ensure that they have adequate liquidity for the challenging months ahead. If you have filed your tax return, this guide will provide more information on checking on the refund due to you. It also includes information about relief measures and announcements made by the federal government relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Checking Your Tax Refund Status

Where do I check on my tax refund status? 

You can check on your tax refund status at this link or by visiting the IRS website and clicking on “Refunds” then navigating to “Where’s My Refund?”. These steps will take you to the “Get Refund Status” page, where you will supply your personal information to display your refund status. 

What do I need to check on my tax refund status?

  • Your Social Security Number (or IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number that is shown on your tax return)
  • Your filing status (choose between Single, Married-Filing Joint Return, Married-Filing Separate Return, Head of Household or Qualifying Widow(er))
  • The exact whole dollar Refund Amount that is shown on your tax return

If you are unsure of the information you need to provide, click on the links provided to get clarification and additional information on where to find the information required. 

When can I check on my tax refund status?

You can start to check your tax refund status within 24 hours of submitting your refund through e-filing and 4 weeks after mailing your paper return. 

“Where’s My Refund” tracker  

According to the IRS, more than 9 out of 10 refunds are processed within 21 days or less. If your refund is taking longer, we recommend using the “Where’s My Refund” tool to track the progress of your refund. The tracker displays the progress of your refund through 3 stages:

(1) Return Received

(2) Refund Approved

(3) Refund Sent

The tracker can also direct you to contact the IRS if your refund requires additional review and may take longer than 21 days to process. The tracker provides you with the most up-to-date information on your tax refund, giving you access to the information you need when you need it. 

Measures for Tax Payers during the COVID-19 pandemic

On March 21, 2020, the federal government extended the filing and payment deadlines for all taxpayers to July 15, 2020

For the latest information on the measures that are being taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the U.S Department of the Treasury website and the IRS newsroom

If you have questions relating to your tax refund or need assistance with your tax preparation, contact Georgen Scarborough Associates, PC, now.