The IRS informs taxpayers of the possibilities they have regarding their tax refund status. In this way, they can keep track of their tax refund status. Receiving the money is what most people who have filed long for in the USA. Regardless of the size of their refund checks, they do need that cash to pay necessary expenses.
Despite the fact that many people filed early this year, there are many others who leave filing till the deadline. It was until last April 18, 2023, that most Americans had to file their tax returns and pay for the taxes they owed to the IRS. Some did not have enough time and filed to get an extension though.
If you did your filing, you might be wondering when your refund will be in your pocket. It is more than likely that your cash will be in your bank account in just 21 days. That is approximately three weeks, so it will not take long. It can be that fast if you have filed electronically and requested a direct deposit to the IRS.
How can I track my tax refund if I already paid taxes to the IRS and filed?
The IRS recommends using the “Where’s my refund?” tool to track your tax refund. Remember that you have to wait for 24 hours of filing. Otherwise, you will not be able to see the status of your 2022 tax refund. However, if you have just filed your 2020 or even 2021 tax refund it will take up to four days to be ready.
Those who have opted for filing on paper will have to wait much longer. It could take about 4 weeks. This is not sensible if you really need to get the money from the IRS fast. The tool “Where’s my refund?” will provide you with accurate and personalized information. Once sorted, it will inform you of the payment date.
Of course, if there are delays the IRS will also inform you there of the main reasons for it. The most common statuses are just three. Return received, refund approved and refund sent. To have access to this useful tool you will need your Social Security Number. Other important figures will be requested as well.
What else do I need apart from my Social Security Number to track my refund status?
The IRS will also request taxpayers the full amount they expect in their refunds and their filing status. So, you will also need to have available those two things apart from your Social Security Number. Besides, there you can select the refund of other tax years. For more information, use your IRS online account.
Unfortunately, a tax refund check can be lost, destroyed, or even stolen. That is why it is so important to file electronically and ask for a direct deposit. By doing so, you can make sure it is not lost on the way home. If you lose it for any of the aforementioned reasons, you can always claim it. It will take some time though.
In order to be able to file a claim online and then get a check to replace the lost one, you have to wait for over 28 days. So, since the IRS mailed the check to you, you should wait more than 4 weeks. So, that will delay a lot the process till you receive the refund check. “Where’s my refund?” can give you all the information.
What if I do not have a Social Security Number to track my refund?
It is true that the Internal Revenue Service requires citizens to have an SSN, but those who do not have one need ITIN. ITIN stands for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Do not worry if you do not have ITIN because you can apply for it easily. Filing Form W-7 is all you need to obtain ITIN says the IRS.
In order to apply for ITIN you must provide the IRS with any original documents that prove your identity. Apart from that, you should include any documents regarding your foreign status. Making an appointment at your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center may be the easiest option. Then, they will mail it to you.
There are also IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agents. So you can apply for an ITIN and you can do it face-to-face as well. Another option to apply for ITIN is to mail you Form W-7 together with your tax return and proof of identity. Together with your foreign status documentation.