The IRS Updates its “Where’s My Refund?” Online Tool
Last month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) made enhancements to its “Where’s My Refund?” tool – an online feature that allows taxpayers to check the current status of their returns. In years past, the application only presented the status of the most recently filed tax return within the past two years. However, as the agency continues to endure processing backlogs from 2021, the tool now introduces a new feature that enables taxpayers to check the status of their current tax year along with returns for the two previous years.
This upgrade is essential for those who are still waiting for their current tax returns as well as those waiting for returns from the last couple years – which has been a common occurrence due to the IRS’ current processing difficulties in result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, taxpayers can utilize the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to select any of the three most recent tax years (2019, 2020, 2021) to check their refund status after providing their Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and expected refund amount from their original tax refund for the specific year they are checking. However, it is important to note that information available to those calling the tax refund hotline will be limited to the 2021 tax returns only.
Using the application, taxpayers can begin checking status of their return within:
- 24 hours after e-filing a 2021 tax return
- 3 to 4 days after e-filing a tax year 2019 or 2020 return
- 4 weeks after mailing a return
“Where’s My Refund?” is one of the most commonly used online features that the IRS provides and was used approximately 776 million times last year. The online tool is updated daily, providing taxpayers a projected refund issuance date as soon as all received documents have been approved.
“We encourage those who expect a refund, but requested an extension, to file as soon as they’re ready. We process returns on a first-in basis, so the sooner the better. There’s really no reason to wait until October 17th if filers have the relevant information to file now” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig.
The IRS has continued to receive backlash from Congress due to the lengthy backlogs in processing tax returns. Rettig has testified to Congress that the Biden administration’s budget has requested funds for modern technology to help with these ongoing issues, but so far it has not been approved by lawmakers.
We understand how important it is for businesses and individuals to receive their tax refunds as promptly as possible. At Brock CPA, our tax and accounting experts are here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. As always, we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding your accounting and tax needs by calling 904-330-0268 or emailing dbrock@brockcpa.com.
