8 Tips For Navigating The IRS Refund Tracker 

By ashley nash baltazar  

After gathering all the necessary documents, Americans hope to submit taxes and receive their refund in a timely manner. Thankfully, trackers now exist, offering estimates on the arrival of funds.

Ways To Receive Your Refund 

During the filing process, you'll be asked how you want to receive your refund. You can have a check printed and sent out to you, or set up a direct deposit payment. 

How Soon To Expect Refund Status 

You can usually see your refund status after about 48 hours after filing. You can also get your refund information for the past two years.

Information Needed To Check Refund Status 

View your status on the IRS website after submitting your SSN or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN). You'll need to submit your filing status and the refund amount listed on your return. 

What Are The Different Stauses?

"Received" means your return is being reviewed. "Approved" means a date to expect your refund will be provided. "Sent" means funds were issued (can take up to five days to appear).

What If You Don't See A  Status?

If you submitted several months before, and/or don't see a status in general, then it's time to resubmit. 

Reasons Your Refund May Be Delayed

If you filed recently and don't see a status, some of the information you provided might be incorrect or need another review. You will then be notified that you need to resubmit. 

How To Re-File If Your Info Was Incorrect

To amend your Form 1040, 1040-SR or 1040-NR, submit a 1040-X. You can do this via paper or digitally. You can also apply an unused credit if you know that you have one. To check, call the IRS. 

Reasons Your Refund Is Lower Than Expected

If you have past-due child support payments, this can potentially impact your refund. Similarly, if you have federal agency nontax debts, you may receive a lower refund than expected. 

Another reason your refund may be impacted is if you have state income tax obligations. However, calling the IRS before filing to ensure that you don't owe will prevent lower refunds.   

Ready to get serious about saving? We've got tips to get you started at the link below..

How To Save 10K in a Year