FAQs on IRS Tax Refund

Filing taxes and calculating your refund is not rocket science. However, it does require some level of understanding to prevent mistakes in filing the documents. These mistakes result in delays regarding your refund payment and can be time consuming for the IRS to review. There are a number of frequently asked questions whose answers will help you when filing your taxes and awaiting your refund. The following are some of the questions asked by filers:

What is the IRS Tax Refund Schedule?

The tax refund schedule tells taxpayers which exemptions and refund amounts they can expect. This schedule depends on the method used when filling taxes. There are two main methods for filling taxes. One method is using paper and mailing in the tax return. When using this method it is important to follow up to make sure the IRS has received your paperwork. You can do this by calling the IRS’s toll free number: 1-800- 829-1020. You can expect your return check six to eight weeks after filing. The other method of filing your taxes is by filing electronically (known as e-filing). This is a free and secure service provided by the IRS on the website www.irs.gov/efile. Individuals who e-file their tax returns can start looking at their schedule for refund three weeks after the date of filing.

Where can I find my IRS Tax Refund Status?

A tax refund status check determines if your refund claim is been processed. Information on the refund status can be found by either calling the IRS toll free number 1-800-829-1954 or by visiting the IRS website at https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp . When visiting this website or calling the toll free number, you will need your social security number, filing status and the exact dollar amount of the refund.

What causes delays in my IRS Tax Refund being sent?

Various factors may affect the status of your refund. These include the method of filing, mistakes in your documentation and amendments to your filed documents. E-filing speeds the process but you must ensure that the correct information (such as social security number, purchase receipt numbers, categorization of expenditure and changes in address or status) are clearly stated.

How can I get an Unclaimed Tax Refund?

Unclaimed refunds arise when individuals deemed eligible to file their taxes for a particular year fail to apply. As a result, they are unable to claim for the refund they would have received for that year. To receive these unclaimed funds, taxpayers must pay their taxes for that particular year. You can start the process by visiting the IRS website and downloading the 1040 form recommended for late filing. If you missed more than on year, you must file the returns for all the years before receiving payment approval for any of them.

There is no penalty for late filing of taxes if you receive a refund, however if you have any outstanding debts with the government such as student loans, child support or other forms of debt concern, these debts will be deducted from the refund amount before you are sent the payment. The filing of back taxes must be within five years of the due year for a tax refund to be paid. Failure to do so within this period results in the refund being kept by the government.

How can I Track My IRS Tax Refund?

Tracking your IRS refund has gotten easier. You can call the IRS toll free number or visit the IRS website and click the ‘Where’s My Refund’ icon. How soon you start checking depends on the method used during filing your returns. Processing time for e-filing is three weeks and for paper filing is six to eight weeks.