3 Quick Tips to know your Tax Refund – Absolutely Free!

If you happen to pay more taxes than you owe, tax returns can help you get them back. But it can be pretty frustrating if you have no idea when and how that is going to happen. Luckily there are ways that can help you to know the exact status of your tax refunds. You can use these methods for determining federal or state taxes and the status of your refunds.

1. Federal tax status online

Though we expect everything to happen at supersonic speeds, there are certain things that take their own sweet time.

If you have filed your tax returns online, give IRS at least 72 hours before you start checking the status.

The duration increases to about 3 or 4 weeks if you mail your tax return.

When you have waited for the minimum time window, make sure you have your tax return copy with you. The IRS website would ask you some basic questions such as your social security number, status while filing returns and exact dollar value that you expect as returns. The tax return file contains this information.

On filling up the above details and selecting the tool “where’s my refund?” you can expect either of the following responses. Your return is under processing, inferring you have to wait for some more time. It can also give the date when you can expect your returns to arrive. And incorrect address resulting in the refund not delivered. Updating the address takes care of the issue.

2. Federal tax status over phone

If you are not tech savvy you can call the toll free IRS numbers to get information regarding your tax returns. If you call at 800-829-1954, you can query for tax refunds. But if you need to know the status of your tax refunds and also your tax related information, you can call 800-829-4477.

Just like the IRS website, for checking status over phone also you would need information present in the tax return.

Kindly have your social security number, status while filing the taxes and exact refund amount mentioned on the tax return, with you while checking the status.

Alternatively you can use mobile based applications to check the same. Just like any other mode, you need to provide some basic information. But the advantage with the mobile app is that you can save these information for later usage.

3. State tax status

Not all the states collect state level income tax. States like Alaska, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Wyoming and South Dakota do not charge income tax. For these states, there are no state level tax refunds.

Each state differs in the way they present the tax information to their citizens. To get hold of that, you need to visit the state’s tax division on their website and get the relevant information. Alternatively, the websites usually offer a phone number of representatives, should you have any questions.

Another aspect in which the state and federal taxes differ is the information required by each. Keeping your tax return handy would help you get through this phase.

Some of the most common data set required is the social security number, along with the exact refund amount outlined in the tax return.

Both the federal and state tax laws and processes differ a bit. Thus you must give them the minimum time frame required before looking for return status. Each of them supports various methods of gathering information, which can be extremely helpful for the citizens. If you do not receive your returns within the stipulated timeframe, the best approach is to reach out to IRS.