IRS WHERE’S MY REFUND 2019 | IRS REFUNDS ONLINE

IRS Where's My Refund? is the place to go for all your inquiries and to check the status of your IRS Refund. It is also known as IRS2Go and offers taxpayers assistance in requesting and claiming their refunds.

Users who access “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app must have information from their current, pending tax return to access their refund information. 

The IRS reminds taxpayers claiming the EITC or the ACTC that recent legislation requires the IRS to hold those refunds until mid-February. Keep in mind that only a small percentage of total filers will fall into this situation. 

The change helps ensure that taxpayers get the refund they are owed by giving the IRS more time to help detect and prevent tax fraud. The IRS continues to strongly encourage the use of e-file and direct deposit as the fastest and safest way to file an accurate return and receive a tax refund.

 More than four out of five tax returns are expected to be filed electronically, with a similar proportion of refunds issued through direct deposit.

All the information and frequently asked questions about IRS Tax Refunds 2018 can be found below:

The IRS2GO mobile app Where’s My Refund? is updated once every 24 hours, usually overnight. Refunds are generally issued within 21 days after we receive your tax return, but you can also check our 2019 IRS Refund Cycle Chart for exact payout dates. 

You should only call if it has been longer.

When can you check the status of your 2019 Federal Tax Refund?

§  When our Refund Schedule has your return estimated.

§  4 weeks after you mail your paper returned.

§  “Where’s My Refund?” is updated once every 24 hours.

What do you need to check the 2019 federal refund status?

§  Your Social Security Number

§  Your Tax Filing Status

§  Your total refund amount before any fees.

How do you check your 2018 Federal Refund Status?

Get your refund status at IRS Where’s My Refund or on the IRS2Go App. 

What other ways can you estimate when you will get your 2019 tax refund back?

§  Get the “Where’s my refund?” app on Android App.

§  Check using our 2019 Refund Schedule for Tax Year 2016.

How will I know if IRS received my tax return and if my refund is being processed?

Use the Where’s My Refund? tool to follow your tax return from receipt to the issuance of your refund. While your tax return is being processed, "Where’s My Refund?” has a tracker that displays progress through three stages:

(1) Return Received,

(2) Refund Approved and

(3) Refund Sent.

When can I start checking on my refund status?

You can start checking on the status of your return within 24 hours after we have received your electronically filed tax return or 4 weeks after you mail a paper tax return.

How often does Where’s My Refund? update?

Where’s My Refund? updates are made no more than once per day, usually at night. So there is no need to check more often.

What is happening when Where’s My Refund? shows the status of my refund is: Return Received?

This means we have your tax return and are processing it. Your personalized refund date will be available as soon as we finish processing your return and confirm that your refund has been approved. We issue most refunds in less than 21 days.

How long will it take for my status to change from Return Received to Refund Approved?  

Sometimes your status may change from “Return Received” to “Refund Approved” in just a few days, but it could take longer and a date will not be provided until your refund has been approved. However, if Where’s My Refund? shows the status of your refund is: Return Received we have received your tax return and we are processing it.

Does Where’s My Refund? always display my refund status with the tracker showing three steps?

No. In some cases, the tracker graphic will not be shown if your return is being reviewed prior to step two: “Refund Approved,” and instead of an explanation or instructions will be provided depending on the situation. This can happen even if you previously checked Where’s My Refund?

 and it showed the status as “Return Received” along with the tracker. In these cases be assured that we have your tax return and we are processing it. Please follow the directions provided by Where’s My Refund?.

 Otherwise, if we need more information we will contact you – usually by mail. If we send you a letter about your return, please follow the instructions in the letter as soon as possible.

Will ordering a transcript help you determine when you’ll get your refund?

No, a tax transcript will not help you determine when you will get your refund. This is among the common myths and misconceptions that are often repeated in social media. 

The codes listed on tax transcripts do not provide any early insight into when a refund will be issued. The best way to check on your refund is by visiting “Where’s My Refund?”

While transcripts include a lot of detailed information regarding actions taken on your account, the codes do not mean the same thing for everyone and they do not necessarily reflect how any of these actions do or do not impact the amount or the timing of your refund. 

IRS transcripts are best and most often used to validate past income and tax filing status for mortgage, student and small business loan applications and to help with tax preparation1.

What is happening when Where’s My Refund? shows the status of my refund is: Refund Approved?

This means the IRS has processed your return and your refund has been approved. The IRS is now preparing to send your refund to your bank or directly to you in the mail if you requested a paper check.

 This status will tell you when your refund is scheduled to be sent to your bank and if you selected the direct deposit option, a date by which it should be credited to your account. 

Please wait until it’s been five days from the date we sent the refund to your bank to check with your bank about the status of your refund. This time frame is provided to allow for the variations in how and when banks deposit funds 2.

What is happening when Where’s My Refund? shows the status of my tax return is: Refund Sent?

This means the IRS has sent your refund to your financial institution for direct deposit. This status will tell you when your refund was sent to your bank. It may take your financial institution 1 – 5 days to deposit the funds into your account. 

Please wait until it’s been five days from the date we sent the refund to your bank to check with your bank about the status of your refund. This time frame is provided to allow for the variations in how and when banks deposit funds.

 If you requested a paper check this means your check has been mailed. It could take several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail. IRS Refunds.

When is IRS Where’s My Refund Available? IRS Hours of Operation 2019

IRS Where’s My Refund? is available almost all of the time. However, the IRS system is not available every Monday, early, from 12:00, am (Midnight) to 3:00 am Eastern Time. The IRS Change of Address and Refund Trace features are not available during the following times (Eastern Time):

 Sunday        12:00 am (Midnight) to 7:00 pm

 Monday      12:00 am (Midnight) to 6:00 am

 Tuesday      3:30 am to 6:00 am

 Wednesday           3:30 am to 6:00 am

 Thursday   3:30 am to 6:00 am

 Friday          3:30 am to 6:00 am

 Saturday     3:30 am to 6:00 am

 and 9:00 pm to Midnight

Also, occasionally the IRS system may be unavailable on Sundays between 1:00 am and 7:00 am Eastern Time3.

Tax Refund Status and IRS Tax Refund Dates for 2019

(Requires Your IRS accepted Tax Return for Tax Year 2019)

The IRS issues a refund of overpaid tax from the previous year on a yearly basis. For those that are yet to apply for their tax refund the year 2017, or those that have applied and want to know the status of their refund; these frequently asked questions and their answers below will be of great help.

How Do I Receive My Refund Via Direct Deposit?

If you choose to receive your expected tax refund via direct bank deposit, your refund will be electronically transferred for free from the IRS (US Treasury)2 to the bank account, you enter during your online tax return process.

Is My Estimated Tax Refund Date Accurate?

Estimated tax refund dates are based on the IRS acceptance date and are not guaranteed by any site or the IRS. Depending on IRS security procedures, the tax refund date could take up to 21 days after the IRS tax return acceptance date, or as early as 7 days via the bank direct deposit method. You should check for your tax cut as well.

Will My Refund Be Delayed or Late This Year?

Since the IRS has added security measures for filing 2017 Tax Returns to decrease tax fraud, your refund may be delayed in 2018. The IRS requires online tax websites to add identity verification steps to ensure that the taxpayer filing their return is exactly who they say they are (i.e. security questions/answers, stronger passwords, etc). As a result of these new security measures, the IRS may issue more refunds as paper checks, even if taxpayers requested direct deposit.

Will My Refund Be Delayed If I Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit?

The IRS is required to not issue entire tax refunds with the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit until February 27, 2018. This is for identity and security reasons to make sure you receive the refund instead of another person committing tax return fraud in your name.

What If My Refund Is Lower Than I Expected?

Your refund may have been adjusted, or offset, by the Treasury Offset Program (TOP). The Program is run by the Financial Management Services (FMS). Under TOP, various federal and state government agencies are authorized to seize outstanding federal or state debts from federal tax refund .6

The FMS may offset part or all of your federal tax refund to pay:

o   Unpaid child support

o   Federal non-tax debts (including student loan repayments)

o   State income tax debts

o   State unemployment compensation debts. 4

When Does an Offset Occur and Will It Delay My Refund?

An offset for non-tax debts occur after the IRS verified your refund to FMS for payment, but before FMS direct deposits the refund or mails a paper check to you. Though an offset reduces the amount of your expected refund via direct deposit or check, it does not delay the time you will receive the remaining refund (if any) after the offset.

How Will I Know That My Refund Has Been Offset?

You will receive a notice from FMS via mail. The notice will list the original refund and offset amounts. It will also include the agency that received the offset payment and their contact information.

What Can I Do Before Filing My Tax Return If I Know I Have Past Debt?

If you have non-tax debts, you can contact the agency you owe. That way, you can determine if the agency submitted your debts to TOP for refund offset.

I Don't Believe I Owe the Tax Debt. How Can I Dispute the Offset?

You will need to contact the agency that received the offset part of your refund, not the IRS or FMS. The notice will include instructions on how to contact the appropriate agency or agencies. 5

Who Can I Contact If I Have Further Questions About My Offset Notice?

You can call the Treasury Offset Program Call Center at (800) 304-3107.

If I'm an Injured Spouse, May I Qualify for my Part or All of the Refund?

If you efiled or filed a joint tax return, you may be entitled to part or all of the refund offset. This rule applies if your spouse is mainly responsible for the debt. File Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation to request your part of the refund.

When Will I Receive My Tax Refund for An Amended Tax Return?

You should wait three weeks after you mailed your amended return before checking your amended tax return status. The online "Where's my refund" service does not keep track of amendment refunds, but you can check the IRS "Where's My Amended Return" tool on the IRS website. This online tool provides the status of amended tax returns for the current year and up to three prior years. Alternatively, you can access the tool via phone by calling 1-866-464-2050.

What's My Amended Tax Return Status?

Amended returns typically take 8-12 weeks for the IRS to process, so you should wait at least 8 weeks before checking on the status of your tax refund. If it has been over 12 weeks since you filed your amendment and you have not received your refund, you should call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to a customer service representative. Here's a tip for when you call: Press 1 (for English), press 0 (zero), press 0 (zero), and you should be able to talk to a live person at the IRS. The best time to reach the IRS is between 7-9 AM and 6-7 PM, Monday-Friday.