Can the IRS Check the Status of Your Tax Return?

Filing taxes can be stressful, especially when waiting for a refund or confirmation that the IRS has received your return. Many taxpayers wonder if they can check their tax return status and how long updates take to appear.

Fortunately, there are ways to track your return’s progress, though processing times vary depending on whether you filed electronically or by mail.

Online Tracking Systems

The IRS provides an online tool, “Where’s My Refund?” that allows taxpayers to check their return status. This system updates daily and requires three pieces of information: Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact refund amount claimed. Once entered, the tool displays one of three statuses—Return Received, Refund Approved, or Refund Sent—indicating where the return is in the process.

For those who owe taxes or need to check the status of an amended return, the IRS offers separate tracking options. The “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool provides updates on Form 1040-X, though processing amended returns can take up to 20 weeks. Taxpayers with outstanding balances can use their IRS Online Account to view payment history, pending balances, and any IRS notices.

Delays can occur due to system backlogs or additional review requirements. If the online tracker shows no updates after 21 days for e-filed returns, it may indicate further IRS scrutiny, such as an error correction or audit flag. Direct deposit refunds are processed faster than paper checks, reducing wait times for those who choose electronic payments.

Paper Filing Concerns

Mailed tax returns take significantly longer to process than electronic filings. The IRS advises that paper returns can take up to six months, though delays may extend beyond this estimate during peak tax season or if errors require manual review. Unlike e-filed returns, which receive confirmation within 24 hours, mailed returns do not generate immediate acknowledgment. Taxpayers can look for indirect indicators, such as the cashing of a check if a payment was included, or wait for an official IRS notice.

Errors on paper returns frequently cause delays. Missing signatures, miscalculations, or incorrect Social Security numbers often require IRS intervention. If additional details are needed, the IRS will send a notice, and taxpayers must respond promptly to avoid further setbacks. Double-checking figures, attaching necessary schedules, and using the correct mailing address can help prevent unnecessary delays.

Mailing a return with tracking through the U.S. Postal Service or an IRS-approved private delivery service (such as FedEx or UPS) provides proof of submission. This can be useful if a return is lost or significantly delayed, as it establishes a record of timely filing. The IRS considers a paper return filed on time if it is postmarked by the due date, even if it arrives after April 15.

Identity Verification Procedures

Before processing a tax return, the IRS verifies the filer’s identity to prevent fraud. This process has become stricter in recent years due to an increase in identity theft cases involving stolen Social Security numbers and fraudulent refund claims.

One of the primary tools used for identity confirmation is the Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) program. This six-digit number, issued annually to eligible taxpayers, acts as an additional security measure to prevent unauthorized use of a Social Security number. Taxpayers who have previously been victims of identity theft or who proactively enroll in the program must include their assigned IP PIN when filing. If the number is missing or incorrect, the IRS will reject an e-filed return or delay processing of a paper submission.

The IRS may also request additional verification if discrepancies arise. In some cases, taxpayers receive Letter 5071C or 6331C, instructing them to verify their identity through the IRS’s online Identity and Tax Return Verification Service or by calling a designated phone number. This process typically requires answering security questions or providing documents such as a driver’s license, passport, or prior-year tax records. Failure to complete this step can result in the IRS suspending the return until verification is resolved.

Resolving Status Delays

Processing delays often stem from discrepancies between reported income and IRS records, such as mismatches on W-2s or 1099s. If the agency’s automated systems detect inconsistencies, additional review is required. To avoid this, taxpayers should cross-check all reported income with official tax documents before filing to ensure accuracy.

Certain tax credits also require additional scrutiny. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are subject to mandatory review under the PATH Act, which prevents refunds related to these credits from being issued before mid-February. Similarly, claims for the Premium Tax Credit or American Opportunity Credit may trigger verification steps, particularly if prior returns included adjustments or discrepancies. Ensuring that all supporting documentation is accurate and complete can minimize the risk of extended processing times.

Contacting IRS Representatives

When online tracking tools fail to provide clarity or a return remains unprocessed beyond expected timeframes, speaking directly with an IRS representative may be necessary. The agency’s phone support can assist with status inquiries, identity verification issues, and resolving discrepancies. However, reaching a live agent can be difficult, especially during peak tax season. Calling early in the morning or later in the week can improve the chances of getting through.

Before contacting the IRS, taxpayers should have all relevant information readily available. This includes a copy of the tax return in question, their Social Security number or ITIN, and any IRS notices received. If calling about a refund delay, having details such as the filing date and refund amount can help expedite the conversation. For more complex cases, such as audits or missing payments, taxpayers may need to request assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent organization within the IRS that helps resolve prolonged or systemic issues.