How to Track Down Your Tax Refund

Sitting around waiting for your tax return to show up can be frustrating. There are several ways you can track your refund and get an idea of the date your refund will be mailed out or deposited into your bank account.

1. Get out a copy of your tax return so you will be able go reference the information.


2. Log onto the Internal Revenue website.


3. Access the link that says, "where's my return." It will automatically take you to a screen where you will need to enter some personal information to access your records.


4. Enter your social security number, filing status and the exact amount of the refund you are expecting to receive. Make sure you are entering the information exactly the way it is printed on your tax return or you will get a recording that says the return cannot be located. Once all the information is properly entered a screen will come up that tells you the approximate date you will receive your return if the return is mailed to you or the date the return will be deposited into your bank account. Continue on to the next step if you do not have access to a computer.


5. Call the IRS automated system to inquire about your tax return. The number you will need to call is 1-800-829-4477, which can be called 24 hours a day every day of the week. You will be given several options.


6. Select "get status of tax return" from the list of options.


7. Enter your social security number, filing status and exact amount of expected refund when prompted. The system would then provide you with the date you should expect to receive your return.