Federal Income Tax Refunds-Where’s My $$$?

April 1st, 2010

If you are reading this article it’s very likely that you have already realized that you need to have your tax refund as quickly as possible.  While the Federal and State taxing authorities have more money than we do, our tax refund is a lot more important to us than it is to them!  Your goal should be to take advantage of every opportunity to accelerate the process and receive your income tax refund as quickly as possible.

Among the options that are available to you are to:

1)  e-file – faster processing of your tax returns and  fewer opportunities for processing errors by the taxing authorities, and

2)  direct deposit – if you look at the Federal e-file refund cycle chart on this website you’ll see that direct deposit refunds are sent electronically about eight days after the end of the cycle period. Checks are mailed seven days later. Add 5-7 days for in transit mail time and you should conclude that you’ll have your tax refund about 12-14 days sooner if you wisely select the e-file/direct deposit alternative. You can also track the status of your refund via the “Where’s My Refund” section of the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-1954.

Note: While most states offer a similar option their refund cycle period may not be on par with the Internal Revenue Service.

Additonally, if you owe the taxing authority delinquent taxes or are on an installment payment plan, etc you should expect to have your refund applied to that unpaid balance. If there are any remaining funds due you afterwards that amount will be sent to you.

Here is additional information on this subject :

Ten Things You Need to Know About Tax Refunds 

Are you expecting a refund from the IRS this year? Here are the top 10 things you should know about your refund.

  1. Refund Options You have three options for receiving your individual federal income tax refund: a paper check, direct deposit or U.S. Savings Bonds. You can now use your refund to buy up to $5,000 in U.S. Series I savings bonds in multiples of $50.
  2. Separate Accounts You may use Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account, to request that your refund be allocated by direct deposit among up to three separate accounts, such as checking or savings or retirement accounts. You may also use this form to buy U.S Savings Bonds.
  3. Paper Return Processing Time If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund will usually be issued within six weeks from the date it is received.
  4. Returns Filed Electronically If you filed electronically, your refund will normally be issued within three weeks after the acknowledgment date.
  5. Check the Status Online The fastest and easiest way to find out about your current year refund is to go to IRS.gov and click the “Where’s My Refund?” link at the IRS.gov home page. To check the status online you will need your Social Security number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund shown on your return.
  6. Check the Status By Phone You can check the status of your refund by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800–829–1954. When you call, you will need to provide your Social Security number, your filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of the refund shown on your return.
  7. Delayed Refund There are several reasons for delayed refunds. For things that may delay the processing of your return, refer to Tax Topic 303 at IRS.gov, which includes a Checklist of Common Errors When Preparing Your Tax Return.
  8. Larger than Expected Refund If you receive a refund to which you are not entitled, or one for an amount that is more than you expected, do not cash the check until you receive a notice explaining the difference. Follow the instructions on the notice.
  9. Smaller than Expected Refund If you receive a refund for a smaller amount than you expected, you may cash the check. If it is determined that you should have received more, you will later receive a check for the difference. If you did not receive a notice and you have questions about the amount of your refund, wait two weeks after receiving the refund, then call 800–829–1040.
  10. Missing Refund The IRS will assist you in obtaining a replacement check for a refund check that is verified as lost or stolen. If the IRS was unable to deliver your refund because you moved, you can change your address online. Once your address has been changed, the IRS can reissue the undelivered check.

For more information, visit IRS.gov or call 800-829-1040.

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Posted by Bill Seabrooke