Because of the recent changes in tax laws for tax year 2010, taxpayers are unable to e-file their returns until February 14, 2011 to allow the IRS to change their system. You can always receive your refund faster if you e-file your tax return and use the direct deposit method. Normally, the turn around time for this is estimated at 10 days. On the other hand, if you mail your tax return and selected a paper check, it would normally take at least six weeks to receive your check.
If you already filed your return but has not received your refund yet, you can use the “Where’s My Refund Tool” by the IRS to get information of your refund check such as the status and what to do in case your check is lost or stolen in the mail. Please keep in mind that you need to allow some time for the IRS to acknowledge the receipt of your tax return before you can use the tool. Usually, it takes 72 hours after IRS acknowledges receipt of your e-filed return or in three to four weeks if you filed a paper return to get information about your refund. In addition, this tool is updated on a weekly basis every Wednesday, so it is always good to check back after that day of the week for the most recent information about the status of your refund. The tool is only available at certain times of the day. Not available from 3:30AM-6:30 AM Eastern time from Tuesday to Saturday, and 12:00AM-7:00 AM eastern time from Sunday to Monday. Please check the website for a more accurate list of date and time availability.
Photo By: Escape The Sunrise
To use the “Where’s My Refund? tool,” you would need the following information:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your Filing Status
- The exact whole dollar amount of your refund
However, please keep in mind that The Where’s My Refund only applies to current year and personal tax return. It does not track refunds for amended tax returns, business returns or non 1040 forms, and prior year tax returns. Below are the contact numbers to get information for the following:
- Amended Tax Return (Form 1040X) Information – it usually takes at least 8 weeks to process your amended return. However, if  you still have not received your additional refund after this time period, you should contact the customer service at  800-829-1040.
- Business Tax Return Information – To obtain refund information for business returns, you should call 1-800-829-4933.