Can You Track Your Tax Return? Here’s What You Need to Know

Waiting for a tax return to be processed can be stressful, especially if you’re counting on a refund or need confirmation that your payment was received. Fortunately, there are ways to track the status of your tax return and ensure everything is moving as expected.

Confirming Your Filing Submission

After submitting your tax return, the first step is verifying that it was received by the IRS or your state tax agency. If you filed electronically, most tax software providers issue a confirmation receipt almost immediately. This receipt includes a submission ID or tracking number, serving as proof that your return was transmitted. Keeping this information is important in case any issues arise.

For those who mailed a paper return, confirming receipt is more difficult. The IRS does not provide immediate acknowledgment for mailed returns, so using certified mail with a return receipt is the best way to track delivery. This method provides a tracking number and requires a signature upon arrival, ensuring documentation that your return reached the IRS. Paper returns take longer to process, often requiring several weeks before appearing in IRS systems.

Checking Acceptance or Rejection Notice

Once submitted, the IRS or state tax agency will either accept or reject a return. An acceptance notice confirms the return passed initial verification checks, such as matching Social Security numbers and confirming basic calculations. However, acceptance does not mean the return has been fully processed or that a refund has been approved—it only indicates the IRS has begun reviewing it.

If a return is rejected, the notice will include specific rejection codes explaining the issue. Common reasons include mismatched personal information, duplicate filings, or errors in income reporting. For example, if a taxpayer’s Social Security number appears on another return—often due to a dependent being claimed by multiple filers—the IRS will reject the submission until the issue is resolved. Taxpayers must correct the error and resubmit electronically or file a paper return if e-filing is no longer an option.

Common Delays in Processing

Processing times vary, and certain factors can cause delays. One common reason is discrepancies in reported income. If the IRS receives W-2s, 1099s, or other income statements that do not match what was reported, the agency may flag the return for manual review. This can extend processing time by weeks or even months, especially if additional documentation is required.

Tax credits requiring extra verification can also slow processing. Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) undergo stricter scrutiny due to a history of improper claims. Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue refunds for these credits before mid-February, regardless of when the return was filed.

Identity verification requests are another common cause of delays. If a return is flagged for potential identity theft, the IRS may send a Letter 5071C or 6331C, instructing the taxpayer to verify their identity through the IRS Identity Verification Service. Until this step is completed, the return remains on hold. Failing to respond promptly can result in even longer delays.

Verifying Refund or Payment

Once the IRS processes a tax return, taxpayers need to confirm whether a refund has been issued or a payment applied. Refunds can be tracked using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which updates daily and provides a timeline from receipt to disbursement. Electronically filed returns typically result in refunds within 21 days, but amended returns, claims for certain credits, or additional verification requests can extend this timeframe.

For those who owe taxes, verifying that a payment was received is important to avoid penalties and interest. The IRS provides several payment methods, including Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), and credit or debit card transactions through authorized processors. Each method generates a confirmation number, which should be saved as proof of payment. Checking bank statements can also confirm whether the correct amount was debited. If a payment fails due to insufficient funds or incorrect information, the IRS may assess a dishonored payment penalty, typically 2% of the amount due.

Actions If No Record Is Found

If a taxpayer checks the status of their return and finds no record in IRS systems, it may be due to timing issues or filing errors. Electronically filed returns typically appear within 24 to 48 hours, but during peak tax season, processing backlogs can extend this timeframe. Paper returns take significantly longer, often requiring four to six weeks before they are logged. If a return was recently submitted, waiting a few more days before checking again may be the best course of action.

For mailed returns, verifying that it was sent to the correct IRS address is important, as different processing centers handle returns based on location and filing type. If a reasonable amount of time has passed and there is still no record, a submission issue may have occurred. A return could have been rejected without notification due to an incorrect email address or outdated contact information. Checking with the e-filing provider or reviewing the submission confirmation can help determine whether the return was successfully transmitted. If filing by mail, contacting the IRS directly or using a tracking number from certified mail can confirm whether the return was received. If necessary, taxpayers may need to resubmit their return to avoid late filing penalties, ensuring that all information is accurate and complete.