Tax refund: What to do if you haven’t received it and what the IRS has said
IRS tax season ended in April, yet some filers have not yet received their refunds. Here’s what to do if you are among those waiting for their money back.
The 2023 tax season ended on April 18- the deadline for taxpayers to file their returns as well as pay what they owe to the Internal Revenue Service. However, some people who have filed the paperwork have still not received refunds from the IRS. Here’s what you can do if you are still waiting to get your money back.
Tax refund: what to do if you haven’t received it and what the IRS has said
Once a return is filed, the IRS allows up to 21 days to deliver the refund via direct deposit to those who filed electronically, and between 6 and 12 weeks if it was filed by mail.
However, the IRS had said that some refunds could take longer. The agency takes more than 21 days (and up to 90 to 120 days) to issue refunds for tax returns that include the Refund Recovery Credit, and Earned Income Tax Credit.
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How to know if your refund has already been sent?
The IRS has a tool on their website called “Where’s my refund” where you can track your payment. You can also check the status of your refund through the IRS2Go app, where you can track the refund payment 24 hours after the IRS receives the electronic return, or four weeks later if you made your declaration on paper and it was sent by postal mail.
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Both tools will show you the status of your payment through the following messages:
- Received: The IRS received your request. Your tax return has been sent, but it hasn't been processed yet.
- Approved: The IRS received and processed your return. The amount of your refund will be confirmed through this message.
- Submitted: Your refund has been sent and is available. It's on its way to be deposited into your bank account or by check printed via mail.
When to call the IRS?
The taxpayer should call the IRS if:
- It's been 21 days or more since you filed your claim electronically
- It's been more than six weeks since you sent your request or mailed your paper return
- The tool "Where's my refund?" indicates it
- 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.