Tax Tips & Calculators

If you´re expecting a big refund, you want it as quickly as possible. If you mail your return early in the tax season, you´ll receive your refund in about 4 - 6 weeks. However, if you wait and file your return close to the filing deadline, it will take about 8 weeks.

To get your refund sooner, e­file your return.

You can check the status of your refund by:

• Calling the IRS TeleTax System at 800-829-4477 or the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954.
• Going to www.irs.gov:
  
  1. Click on Tax Information for Individuals.
  2. Select Where´s My Refund?
  3. Enter identifying information.

Have your return on hand, since you'll need it to answer some questions. To check on your refund, you must provide your:

• Social Security number(SSN) or another taxpayer identification number
• Filing status
• Exact amount of the refund shown on the return

Why is my refund less than I expected?

If your refund is less than you expected, you might have made a mathematical error or some other mistake on your return.

The IRS might have also deducted these amounts from your refund:

• Delinquent federal or state taxes
• Back child support
• Past­due non­tax federal debts, like student loans

You should receive a notice explaining the mistake or any adjustments made to your refund, including explanations of deductions for prior debts. Since your refund check and the notice come from different IRS locations, you might receive the explanation after you receive the refund check.