Introduction
Tax returns are a crucial part of every taxpayer’s financial life. As such, it is important to know where your tax return is at any given time. Tracking your tax return can help you stay on top of deadlines, confirm that your refund has been received, and ensure that any changes to your filing status have been properly applied. This article provides an overview of how to track your tax return.
Use IRS Tax Tracker Tool
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a free online tool to track your tax return. The tool allows you to quickly check the status of your refund, as well as view any correspondence related to your filing. To use the tool, all you need is your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund.
Accessing the Tool
To access the IRS tax tracker tool, visit the IRS website and select “Where’s My Refund?” from the list of options. Once you enter your information, the site will provide you with the current status of your refund. Depending on when you filed your return, you may be able to get an estimated date when your refund will arrive.
Understanding the Results
The IRS tax tracker tool will provide you with three possible results: return received, refund approved, and refund sent. If your return has been received, it means that the IRS has begun processing your return. If your refund has been approved, it means that your refund is ready to be sent. Finally, if your refund has been sent, it means that the funds have been deposited into your bank account or mailed to you in the form of a check.
Sign Up for Text or Email Alerts from the IRS
The IRS also offers text and email alerts about the status of your tax return. These alerts allow you to receive updates about your refund without having to log into the IRS website. Registering for these alerts is easy and only requires that you enter a valid email address or cell phone number.
How to Register for Alerts
To register for text or email alerts from the IRS, visit the IRS website and select “Get Email Updates” or “Get Text Alerts” from the list of options. Once you enter your information, the site will send you automatic updates about the status of your refund. You can also opt out of the alerts at any time.
Advantages of Using Alerts
Text and email alerts from the IRS offer several advantages. For one, they provide real-time updates about the status of your refund, allowing you to stay informed without having to constantly check the IRS website. Additionally, the alerts remind you of important filing deadlines and other tax-related information. And finally, the alerts help protect you from fraud by alerting you to any suspicious activity on your tax return.
Contact Your State’s Tax Agency
If you still have questions about the status of your refund, you should consider contacting your state’s tax agency. Most states have a hotline or website that you can use to get answers to your questions. You can also visit the agency in person if you prefer.
Contact Information
Contact information for your state’s tax agency can usually be found on the agency’s website. You can also call the agency directly to speak with a representative. Be sure to have your Social Security number and other relevant information handy when you contact the agency.
Necessary Documentation
When contacting your state’s tax agency, you may need to provide certain documents such as a copy of your tax return or proof of residency. It is important to have this documentation ready before you make contact so that the process can go as smoothly as possible.
Check Your Bank Account for Refunds
If you have opted to receive your refund via direct deposit, then checking your bank account is an easy way to track your refund. Simply log into your bank account and look for a deposit with the amount of your refund. If the deposit has not yet been made, then the IRS has not yet processed your refund.
Checking Your Bank Balance
To check your bank balance, log into your bank account and view the available balance. If the amount matches the amount of your refund, then the refund has been successfully deposited into your account. If the amount is lower than expected, then the refund has not yet been processed.
Withdrawing Refunds
Once your refund has been deposited into your bank account, you can withdraw the funds as you would any other deposit. Be sure to keep a record of the withdrawal for your records. Additionally, it is important to note that any taxes owed must be paid in full in order to receive a refund.
Monitor Your Credit Score for Changes
Finally, you can monitor your credit score for changes related to your tax return. While the IRS does not report tax refunds to credit bureaus, it does report any amounts owed. Therefore, if you owe money on your tax return, it is likely that your credit score will decline as a result.
Understanding Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a three-digit number that indicates how responsible you are with debt. It is based on factors such as payment history, types of credit used, and total amount of debt. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved for a loan or other type of credit.
What Changes to Look For
If you owe money on your tax return, it is important to keep an eye on your credit score. You should be on the lookout for sudden drops in your score, as this could indicate that the IRS has reported the debt to the credit bureaus. Additionally, you should check your credit report periodically to ensure that all information is accurate.
Conclusion
Tracking your tax return is a smart way to stay informed about the status of your refund and any other necessary information. By using the IRS tax tracker tool, signing up for text or email alerts from the IRS, contacting your state’s tax agency, checking your bank account for refunds, and monitoring changes in your credit score, you can easily stay up to date on the status of your tax return.
Summary of Key Points
In summary, tracking your tax return involves using the IRS tax tracker tool, signing up for text or email alerts from the IRS, contacting your state’s tax agency, checking your bank account for refunds, and monitoring changes in your credit score. Doing so can help you stay informed about the status of your refund and any other necessary information.
Resources for Further Assistance
If you need further assistance tracking your tax return, there are several resources available. The IRS website offers detailed answers to frequently asked questions, while the agency’s toll-free helpline is available to answer any additional questions. Additionally, many tax preparation software programs can help you track your return and provide helpful guidance throughout the process.
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