Waiting for your tax refund can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether you’re in Wisconsin or anywhere else in the U.S., understanding how to track your refund can provide peace of mind. This guide explains how you can easily check the status of your tax refund online.
Checking Your Federal Tax Refund Status Online
The easiest way to find out where your refund is by using the IRS tool called “Where’s My Refund?”. This tool provides updates on your refund progress in a few simple steps.
When Can You Start Tracking?
You can typically start checking your refund status online within these timeframes:
- 24 hours after e-filing a current-year tax return.
- 3 to 4 days after e-filing a prior-year tax return.
- 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
It’s important to wait until these periods have passed before checking, as the system may not have your information processed before then.
Understanding the “Where’s My Refund?” Stages
The “Where’s My Refund?” tool tracks your refund through three key stages:
- Return Received: This confirms that the IRS has received your tax return and is processing it.
- Refund Approved: This stage means your refund has been approved, and the IRS is preparing to send it.
- Refund Sent: This indicates that your refund has been sent via direct deposit or mail. You will also be given a personalized refund date once your refund is approved.
What You Need to Use “Where’s My Refund?”
To access your refund status, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Your filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household, etc.).
- The exact whole dollar amount of your expected refund.
Make sure you have this information handy when you use the tool for a smooth and quick check.
Information on Prior Year Refunds
“Where’s My Refund?” allows you to check the status for the tax year you select. For other tax return information beyond the current or selected prior year, you can access your Online Account on the IRS website for a comprehensive view.
What if Your Refund is Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed?
In unfortunate situations where your refund is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the IRS provides solutions. Generally, you can initiate an online claim for a replacement check if it has been more than 28 days from the date the IRS mailed your refund. “Where’s My Refund?” will offer detailed instructions on how to file a claim if this applies to your situation. More detailed information can be found on the Refunds page.
Information Not Available on “Where’s My Refund?”
It’s important to note that “Where’s My Refund?” has some limitations:
Amended Tax Returns
You cannot track the status of amended tax returns (Form 1040-X) using “Where’s My Refund?”. For amended returns, use the dedicated tool Where’s My Amended Return? to get status updates.
Business Tax Returns
“Where’s My Refund?” is designed for individual income tax returns (Form 1040). For refund information on other federal tax returns, such as business tax returns, you will need to call the IRS directly at 800-829-4933 (toll-free). If calling from outside the U.S., use 267-941-1000. For TTY/TDD users, the number is 800-829-4059.
By using “Where’s My Refund?”, Wisconsin residents and all U.S. taxpayers can efficiently stay informed about their federal tax refund status. Knowing when and how to check can significantly reduce anxiety during tax season.
