Waiting for your tax refund can be stressful. If you’re in Michigan and wondering “Where’s my refund?”, you’re not alone. The IRS provides a handy online tool called “Where’s My Refund?” to help you track your refund status. Here’s how you can use it to stay informed about your tax refund journey.
You can start checking the status of your refund using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool 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.
“Where’s My Refund?” provides a personalized refund date once your return is processed and your refund is approved. The refund tracker will guide you through three simple stages:
- Return Received: The IRS has received your tax return and it is in the processing queue.
- Refund Approved: The IRS has approved your refund and is preparing to send it to you.
- Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent via direct deposit or mail.
To use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool and find out 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.
Information on Prior Year Refunds
“Where’s My Refund?” allows you to check the status of your refund for the tax year you select. For any other tax return information beyond your refund status, you can access your Online Account on the IRS website for a comprehensive view of your tax information.
What if My Refund is Lost, Stolen, or Destroyed?
If you suspect your refund check has been lost, stolen, or destroyed, the IRS generally allows you to file an online claim for a replacement check after 28 days from the original mail date. “Where’s My Refund?” will provide detailed instructions on how to file a claim if this situation applies to you, making the process straightforward. For more detailed information on refunds, you can also visit the IRS’s Refunds page.
Information Not Available on “Where’s My Refund?”
It’s important to note that “Where’s My Refund?” does not provide information for:
Amended Tax Returns
Refund status for amended returns filed using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, cannot be tracked using “Where’s My Refund?”. For amended return status, use the IRS tool Where’s My Amended Return?.
Business Tax Returns
For refund information regarding federal tax returns other than Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), you will need to contact the IRS directly. You can call the IRS toll-free at 800-829-4933. If you are calling from outside the U.S., dial 267-941-1000. For TTY/TDD services, please call 800-829-4059.
By using “Where’s My Refund?”, Michigan residents can easily stay updated on their federal tax refund status, ensuring a smoother tax season.
