'Where's My Refund?' Users flock to find out
The IRS reports record visits to that area of its Web site.
Taxpayers have submitted more than 21 million requests this year at “Where’s My Refund?" on IRS.gov, marking more than 20 percent in growth compared with the same period last year, the agency said.
“Where’s My Refund? is a fast, easy way to check on a refund,” IRS Commissioner Mark Everson said. “Taxpayers are using this feature and our other electronic services at a record rate.”
Taxpayers can securely access their personal refund information through the IRS' Web site using their Social Security numbers, filing status and their exact refund amount. This information verifies that the person is authorized to access the account.
Taxpayers can check the status of their federal income tax refunds seven days after they e-filed their returns and four to six weeks after mailing a paper return, according to the IRS.
If 28 days have passed since the IRS mailed a refund check, a new feature on Where’s My Refund? enables taxpayers to initiate a trace. This allows taxpayers to update a flawed mailing address.
Taxpayers can avoid undelivered refund checks by having their refunds directly deposited, the IRS said. Direct deposit also guards against theft.