IRS: What can I do if my tax refund is less than expected?
The IRS has begun sending out tax refunds, and so far the amounts have been smaller than last year’s. Here’s what to do if you receive less than expected.
Tax season began on Jan. 29, and the Internal Revenue Service will receive and process tax returns for the 2023 fiscal year until April 15. The IRS has already begun sending out refunds to early filers.
According to data from the tax agency, the average refund for this year has been $1,395 as of February 2. The amount depends on the fiscal situation of each taxpayer, who in some cases may receive less than they expected.
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Why might I receive less money?
If you owe money to a federal or state agency, the federal government may use part or all of your federal tax refund to pay the debt. This is called tax refund offset.
According to the IRS, all or part of your refund may be used to pay back federal taxes, state income taxes, state unemployment compensation debts, child support, spousal support, or other non-federal debts, such as student loans. In these situations, taxpayers may end up receiving a smaller tax refund.
The IRS may also change the amount of your refund after making revisions to your tax return. If this happens, the tax agency sends a notice explaining the changes. The taxpayer must follow the instructions in the notice. If it is determined that you should have received more, you will then receive a check for the difference.
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How to track your tax refund
The IRS says it can take up to 21 days to send refunds. Those who filed their return electronically and chose direct deposit as a payment method are the most likely to receive the money earlier.
Those who did not file electronically or chose a paper check as a payment method, may receive their refund in six to 12 weeks after sending their return.
To check the status of your refund, you can use the “Where’s my refund?” tool on the IRS official website.
You can also check the status of your payment through the IRS2Go mobile application, where you can track your refund payment 24 hours after the IRS receives the electronic return or in about four weeks if you filed your return on paper.
When to call the IRS if you don’t receive your refund
The taxpayer should call the IRS under the following circumstances:
- 21 days or more have passed since you filed electronically
- More than six weeks have passed since you mailed your paper return
- The "Where's My Refund?" tool indicates that you should
- The IRS contacts you by mail to request more information
For assistance in Spanish, call 800-829-1040. For assistance in other languages, call 833-553-9895.