IRS Refund Problems
Once you complete the annual process of paying your taxes, you may receive a refund check from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Sometimes this refund is deposited into a bank account within three weeks from the date submitted. Other times, which are rare, there are some problems.
- Know if you are eligible for a refund. You must file your income tax return to find out if you overpaid your taxes through your employment. If so, you will get a refund. If you didn’t pay enough you will need to pay the amount you owe.
- Determine which way you want to file your tax return. Electronic filing will take up to three weeks for your refund to be deposited in your account. Mailing the forms to the IRS will take about six weeks from the day it was received at the IRS. If you have to amend your return, it could take up to 12 weeks. Knowing which way you filed may help you understand the problem in receiving your funds.
- Contact the IRS if you feel that your refund has not arrived in a timely manner. You can do this by calling the refund hotline at 1-800-829-1954 or clicking on the “Where’s My Refund” option on the IRS website (www.irs.gov). You will need to know how much your refund should be, your filing status (single or married) and your social security number. Contacting the IRS may deter any problems getting your refund.
- Check your return for any errors. The most common errors are the ones that cause problems with your refund. Make sure your social security number is correct, you have all the necessary documentation and you have added or subtracted correctly. These errors slow down the process and cause problems getting your refund.
- Verify that the IRS has received your return either online or by phone. If your tax return was lost in the mail, which is very uncommon, this will also cause a problem. If you file electronically, you will be updated by email when the IRS accepts your return. If you filed by mail, call about 10 days after mailing to make sure the tax return has arrived. If it did not, you should contact the IRS directly.
- Check the signature on your documentation. Filing electronically will require a special code. A paper copy of the tax return should have your written signature on it. You will have a problem if you don’t have the correct signatures on the return.