IRS Gives Yakima a Tool To Check When You’ll Get That Tax Return

If you've filed your taxes already and you're wondering when you'll get your refund the Internal Revenue Service says the fastest and easiest way to check on tax refunds is by using the “Where's My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. IRS officials say this year, more than ever before, those who don’t normally have to file a tax return may wish to do so to get child-related tax credits that were expanded by the American Rescue Plan. These include the Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

You can start checking on your refund 24 hours after filing

Filing electronically and using direct deposit is the safest and fastest way to file an accurate return and receive a tax refund. "Taxpayers can use "Where's My Refund?" to start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received or four weeks after the taxpayer mails a paper return." IRS officials say the tool's tracker displays progress through three phases:

Return Received,
Refund Approved and
Refund Sent.

Most refunds are issued within weeks but some could take longer

Most tax refunds are issued within 21 days, however, some may take longer. There are several reasons this can happen:

"The return includes a claim for the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.
The time between the IRS issuing the refund and the bank posting it to an account may vary since many banks do not process payments on weekends or holidays.
The return may require additional review.
The return may include errors or be incomplete.
The return could be affected by identity theft or fraud.
The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return."