The deadline to submit you tax returns for the 2020 tax year in 15 April 2021. This means you have less than two months to get your returns to the Internal Revenue Service and this year’s filing could be a bit more complicated for millions of Americans.

Not only do the IRS serve as the federal agency for processing tax returns, they were also in charge of administrating stimulus check distribution throughout the pandemic. Some who missed out on previous stimulus check payments will need to apply for the remaining money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return.

Fortunately, although things may be a bit different this year, the IRS allow you to check on the status of your tax returns online. Here’s everything you need to know…

Online tool shows the status of your tax refund

Filing tax returns can be a tricky process at the best of times, with some pretty serious consequences if you don’t get your affairs in order before the deadline. But to make that process a bit less confusing, the IRS has introduce a 'Where's My Refund' online tool so you can check the status of your rebate.

The handy resource is updated daily and you can access it online with three pieces of information:

• Your social security number or ITIN
• Your filing status
• The exact amount you are owed in the refund

Simply select ‘Check My Refund Status’ on the website and submit your details to get an up-to-date look at the progress of your tax refund. It should be noted that the IRS are predicting longer waits than usual this year. The pandemic has made it particularly difficult to process mailed documents so they warn that it could take more than 21 days.

However if you filed online and it has taken more than 21 days for your tax refund to be processed then you may want to contact the IRS.

IRS ‘Free File’ makes filing a tax return easy

If you are still yet to submit your tax returns for 2021 but are feeling a bit overwhelmed, you may want to try the IRS’ Free File system. The online tool offers free way to submit your federal income tax returns, although the process varies depending on your annual income.

Anyone with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $72,000 per year can utilise the IRS Free File Program which offers a free online tax preparation and filing service. The service is provided by partners of the IRS who do so for free for qualifying filers.

If your AGI is above $72,000 then you can still take advantage of some support, but not the full service. You are eligible to use the Free File Fillable Forms, which are electronic federal tax forms which can be completed and filed online.