How to Track Your Tax Refund

culled from:wikihow.com

Method 1 of 3: Tracking your Tax Refund Online

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   Wait for 24 hours after you e-file your tax return. If you send your return by mail, you will have to wait about 4 weeks until you are able to track your refund online. 
    
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      Visit the IRS "Where's My Refund?" website. You can access it at irs.gov/refunds.
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      Prepare the information you will need to access information about your refund. There will be a series of questions to answer so the IRS can positively identify you.

      • Have your social security number.
      • Remember your filing status.
      • Provide the exact amount of your expected refund. You cannot round up or estimate. The system will require the precise dollar and cents amount that was on your tax filing form.
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      Provide the information in the boxes provided on the screen. Once you have finished, click "submit."

      • Follow the links provided if you have questions on exactly what the IRS is asking. For example, if you are not sure what your filing status was, the highlighted link will show you where on your tax return you can find that information.
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      Read the information on the next screen. You will be told that the refund has been deposited or mailed, or you will be given a date when the refund is expected to be deposited or mailed.
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      Contact the IRS with any additional questions, or if you have concerns. If the "Where's my Refund?" site is unable to locate your return, or you learn that your refund was applied to an existing tax debt, you may want to talk to someone.

   Method 2 of 3: Tracking your Tax Refund with an App

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      Download the IRS2Go smartphone application. This is free for iPhone and Android users and can be found on the App Store or App Market on your phone.
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      Provide the necessary information once the app is loaded. You will need your social security number, filing status and the exact amount of your anticipated refund.
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      Get instant information based on the data you provide. The app will let you know when to expect your refund to be deposited or mailed.
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      Utilize the Contacts section of the app as well. This allows you to store telephone numbers for the IRS and links to important tax information.

   Method 3 of 3: Tracking your Tax Refund by Phone

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      Wait to call until 24 hours after you have e-filed your return. If you mailed a paper return, you will need to wait 4 weeks before you call to track your refund.
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      Gather your tax information before you call the automated IRS line that helps you track your refund. You will need your social security number, filing status information and the exact amount of your anticipated refund.
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      Dial 1-800-829-1954. You will reach an automated message, with instructions about how to provide your required information.
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      Have a pen and a piece of paper near the phone in case you need to write down information.
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      Write down the expected date of your deposit or the date your check will be in the mail. If an additional phone number is given for follow up questions or information, write it down and call.