| A common question heard at tax time is "how long | | | | information. If you would rather check the refund |
| does it take to get my refund back?" Consumers, | | | | status by phone, you may call 1-800-829-1954. The IRS |
| especially those struggling in tough economic times, | | | | asks that you wait 3 days after filing electronically, or 3 |
| look forward to the financial boost that a tax refund | | | | weeks after mailing a return before checking for a |
| gives. The good news is that the IRS provides the | | | | status update. For those who file an amended return, |
| necessary tools that make finding the status of a | | | | however, the period to receive a refund check will |
| federal tax refund check just a mouse click away. | | | | take 8-12 weeks. |
| With state refund checks however, it's a little trickier | | | | Tips on Ensuring a Quick Refund |
| since you have to know which state agency controls | | | | By eliminating mistakes, consumers can ensure that |
| the tax return process. In this article, we'll guide you | | | | their refund is received in as timely a fashion as |
| through the IRS's guidelines for when how long the | | | | possible. The most common mistakes, which can |
| refund check should take, and review the proper | | | | cause delays in receiving a refund, are listed below: |
| channels for getting both federal and state tax fund | | | | |
| questions answered. | | | | 1. Social security number missing or incorrect |
| Federal Tax Refunds | | | | 2. Incorrect tax result, given reported income and filing |
| How you file your taxes, via either U.S. mail or | | | | status, was entered |
| electronic filing, dictates how long it normally takes to | | | | 3. Mathematical errors in figuring the taxable income, |
| receive a refund. Filing a return through the mail is, of | | | | withholding and estimated tax payments, Earned |
| course, the slower of the two processes. For those | | | | Income Credit, Standard Deduction for age 65 or over |
| who mail their federal return, the IRS will remit a tax | | | | or blind, the taxable amount of social security benefits, |
| refund within six weeks after they have been | | | | and child and dependent care credit |
| received the completed return. If you file electronically, | | | | 4. Items entered on incorrect line, especially estimated |
| you should receive your tax refund within three weeks. | | | | tax and withholding |
| The IRS allows two options for receiving a federal tax | | | | 5. General Math Errors State Tax Refund Process |
| refund: paper check sent via the mail, or an electronic | | | | As you might expect, each state has its own specific |
| funds transfer (also called a direct deposit). The direct | | | | agencies and rules that govern taxation processes. |
| deposit method, not surprisingly, is always the quicker | | | | Many states have a Department of Revenue that |
| option. The Federal 1040 form contains a section | | | | deals with tax filings and returns, for other states it |
| where consumers can opt for a direct deposit. If you | | | | may be the Tax Commission, Department of Taxation, |
| want the IRS to electronically deposit your refund into | | | | or some other similar named department. |
| more than one account you will need to file a separate | | | | To check status on a state tax refund, find the state |
| form 8888. | | | | taxation agency for your particular state (by going |
| How to Check on Your Federal Tax Refund | | | | here aicpa.org/yellow/yptsgus.htm) and go their |
| For anyone wanting to check the status of their tax | | | | website. Most state agencies, like the IRS, provide |
| refund, simply go to the IRS's Where's my refund | | | | tools or resources for consumers to check on tax |
| (irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96596,00.html) webpage | | | | refund status. |
| where you'll find an easy to use tool to request the | | | | |