- How Long Before I Get My Refund?
- Still Working on Your 2019 Return?
- Filing a Business Return?
- Quarterly Payments Are Due 4/15!
- Stimulus Totals for IRS
If possible, e-file your tax return. The IRS is swimming in paper. What does that mean for taxpayers? Expect to wait in line.
For 2020 returns, if you e-filed and are due a refund, you can still expect to get it by direct deposit within 21 days, the IRS says. But the same catch applies if there’s missing information: Wait for a letter, and respond promptly. If you mailed a paper claim or have to respond to an inquiry, expect an extended waiting period.
Business Tax Return Information
For refund information on federal tax returns other than Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, call, toll free, at 800-829-4933. From outside the U.S., call 267-941-1000. TTY/TDD: 800-829-4059.
How to Track Your Refund
You can start checking on the status of your refund within 24 hours after IRS receives your e-filed return or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return.
Where’s My Refund https://www.irs.gov/filing/wheres-my-amended-return will give you a personalized date after IRS processes your return and approve your refund. Both of the sites below can be used to check the status of your refund and they are updated once a day, usually overnight.
The tracker displays progress through three stages:
- Return Received
- Refund Approved
- Refund Sent
To use Where’s My Refund, you need to provide your Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund.
Do not file a second tax return or call the IRS.
Information On 2019 Returns
In some case, the IRS says it’s still processing tax returns from July 15, 2020—the extended deadline for 2019 returns. If there’s a mistake, missing information or suspected fraud, the IRS may need more information and will contact you by letter. Reply promptly!
If you haven’t filed your 2020 tax return yet, you may still be able to get information on the IRS Where’s My Refund tool about your 2019 refund status.
What if my refund was lost, stolen, or destroyed?
Generally, you can file an online claim for a replacement check if it’s been more than 28 days from the date we mailed your refund. Where’s My Refund? will give you detailed information about filing a claim if this situation applies to you.
For more information, check our Tax Season Refund Frequently Asked Questions.
Once you file your 2020 return, the Where’s My Refund? tool will show information about that return. The IRS has more details on its updated FAQ page about tax refunds.
Quarterly Tax Returns Are Still Due On April 15, 2021
While you’re thinking about 2020 taxes, if you need to make quarterly estimated payments—that includes most gig workers and many retirees—the first one for the 2021 tax year is due April 15! That’s despite the fact that the IRS postponed the tax day deadline to file and pay 2020 taxes until May 17, 2021 (note: the extension is for individuals, not for trusts or gift/estate tax returns).
Question About Prior Stimulus Payments?
Another option: If you set up an IRS online account, you can look up amounts of your total stimulus payments received, get information from your most recent tax return, view payment history, and get digital copies of some notices the IRS sent you. To check the status of Round 3 $1,400 stimulus payments, check out the IRS Get My Payment tool.
