How to Check Your Federal Tax Refund Status

Guide Note

You did your taxes, and it turns out the government owes you. Congratulations on your refund. You probably want to know when exactly you'll be getting that refund check though. Not to worry. The IRS has a couple of different ways to track down the money you're owed.

How to Check Your Federal Tax Refund Status will help you figure out whether or not the check is in the mail.

Federal Tax Refund Status Tips

  1. Check your refund status online. Visit the Refund Status page of the IRS website. All you need is your social security number, filing status and refund amount.
  2. Pick up the phone. If you don't have access to a computer, you can check your refund status by calling the IRS at 1.800.829.1040.
  3. Your 2008 tax rebate check is different than your refund. Your 2008 Bush Tax Rebate check is separate from your refund check. Rebate checks will be mailed to qualifying taxpayers beginning in May 2008.

Disclaimer

The content of this page is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional financial advice.

Contact the IRS or a professional financial advisor for the most up-to-date and complete information regarding state and federal tax law.

How to Check Your Federal Tax Refund Status

Where's Your Refund? Find out online. (Photo by Bazilrr)
Where's Your Refund? Find out online. (Photo by Bazilrr)
  • Still waiting for your refund check? The best way to check the status of your federal income tax refund is to contact the IRS directly. Fortunately, they've set up an online service explicitly for this purpose. Called "Where's My Refund?", the service will let you know whether or not your return has been processed and when your refund was mailed out or deposited into your bank account. If there is a snag, the site will direct you to initiate a refund trace.
  • To use the service, you'll need the following:
  1. Social Security Number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
  2. Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Joint Return, Married Filing Separate Return, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er))
  3. Exact Refund Amount Shown on Your Return
  • Don't have easy access to a computer, you can always pick up the phone and contact the IRS directly at 1.800.829.1040.

NOTE: Your tax refund is different than the 2008 Bush Tax Rebate. Rebate checks will be mailed to qualifying taxpayers in early May 2008 and will be separate from refund checks. For more information on the rebate, visit Mahalo's page on the Bush Tax Rebate 2008.

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