Getting a refund via the tax season in the US is normal. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will in most cases send the refund within 21 days. In case you electronically completed your tax return form with accurate and full details and chose direct deposit, the process may take only 8 days. However, in case there is certain extra review needed in your case, a refund can be delayed.
Possible reasons for a delayed refund
In case of any inconsistency in the information provided by the taxpayer in his filing, or where the taxpayer commit any error in his filing, the IRS further reviews that return. Other than this, you also do not get a refund when your verification of identity is necessary, or any kind of fraud is possible.
New taxpayers should also understand that it is effortless to monitor your refund status on the IRS site or mobile phone application. To do this, you may visit the tool of Where is my refund? or you can download a mobile application named IRS2Go.
Does the IRS tool show that the refund has been sent?
In case you have already used the Where s My Refund? tool or IRS2Go app and it says that your refund has already been issued, but you have not received it yet, then you need to wait at least 5 days.
Banks and financial institutions might take different time durations to process payments. In case the money is not deposited into your account even after 5 days of the date of initiation, then there are chances that your refund may have been lost, misplaced or stolen.
What to do in such a situation? Know the Refund Trace process
After 5 days, in case you have not received your refund, you may ask the IRS to initiate a Refund Trace. The IRS does this to know the status of your check; where it is, whether it has been cashed or not, or in the case of direct deposit, whether it has deposited into the correct bank account.
Before starting a Refund Trace, make sure that:
- There was no error in your tax return.
- The maximum deadline for sending a refund by the IRS has been met.
- You have followed the correct filing process.
Who needs to do what?
The process to start a Refund Trace depends on your filing status:
- People filing as Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separately can call the IRS directly. For this, call the IRS’s Refund Hotline (800-829-1954). You can use the automated system or even talk to an agent if you want.
- If you have done Married Filing Jointly, then you have to follow a different process. In such cases you have to fill Form 3911 and send it through mail.
How to use IRS2Go and Where’s My Refund tools?
To use these tools, you have to provide the following information:
- Your Social Security Number or ITIN
- Your Filing Status (eg Single, Married etc.)
- The Amount of Refund you expect
With these tools, you can get instant information about the status of the refund.
Conclusion
If you have not received your refund after 5 days, you can request the IRS to start a Refund Trace. IRS does this so that they are aware of your check status; where the check is, whether it has been cashed or not or in case of direct deposit, whether the check has deposited into the right bank account.
FAQs
Q1. How long does the IRS take to issue a tax refund?
Most refunds are issued within 21 days if filed electronically with direct deposit.
Q2. How can I check my IRS refund status?
Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app.
Q3. What should I do if my refund shows as sent but I haven’t received it?
Wait at least 5 days, then contact the IRS to request a refund trace.
Q4. Can a tax refund be delayed due to errors in my return?
Yes, mistakes or incomplete information can delay your refund.
Q5. What is Form 3911 used for?
It’s used to start a refund trace if you’re filing jointly and haven’t received your refund.
