How Can I Tell If My Taxes Were Filed?
Uncertain if your tax return was successfully submitted to the IRS? Discover reliable methods to confirm its status and next steps.
Confirming the successful filing of a tax return is important for every taxpayer, providing peace of mind and preventing potential issues with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Understanding the status of your tax filing is a proactive step that can help avoid penalties, ensure timely refunds, or address any discrepancies quickly. This article will guide you through the various methods available to verify your tax filing status.
Verifying Electronic Filing
When filing taxes electronically, taxpayers typically receive immediate confirmations regarding their submission. Tax preparation software, such as TurboTax or H&R Block, usually provides a confirmation message or email indicating whether the return was accepted or rejected by the IRS. An “accepted” status means the IRS has successfully received the return, while a “rejected” status indicates an error requiring correction and re-submission.
If a tax professional handles your filing, they should provide confirmation of successful e-filing. This might come as a direct email, a printout, or a notification through their client portal, serving as proof of transmission. The IRS also issues an e-file confirmation number upon successful submission, which acts as a unique identifier and proof of receipt. Taxpayers should retain this confirmation number for their records, as it can be useful for inquiries or verification of filing status.
Using IRS Online Tools
The IRS offers online resources to check the status of both electronically filed and paper-filed returns after some processing time. The “Where’s My Refund?” (WMR) tool tracks refund status, but also indicates whether a return has been received and processed. To use this tool, taxpayers need their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), their filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly), and the exact refund amount shown on their return.
The WMR tool displays various statuses, such as “Return Received,” “Refund Approved,” and “Refund Sent,” providing transparency on the processing stages. This tool can confirm receipt even if no refund is due or if a balance is owed. Information on the WMR tool is typically available about 24 hours after e-filing a current-year return and is updated once daily, usually overnight.
Beyond refund tracking, official IRS tax transcripts can confirm whether a return has been filed and processed. The “Tax Account Transcript” is useful for confirming filing status, as it shows basic data like filing status and adjusted gross income. Taxpayers can request transcripts online through their IRS Online Account, by mail using Form 4506-T, or by phone. Accessing transcripts online generally requires verifying identity with information such as SSN, date of birth, filing status, and address from the last filed return, often with an email or mobile phone for verification.
Steps if Your Filing is Not Found
If your tax return cannot be confirmed through initial methods, double-check the information entered into the IRS online tools. Ensure accuracy of your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact refund amount or address. Any minor discrepancy can prevent the system from locating your return.
If a tax professional filed your return, contact them directly to inquire about the filing status and to obtain any relevant confirmation numbers or documentation. It is also important to consider typical processing times; e-filed returns usually process within 21 days for refunds, while paper returns can take four weeks or more due to manual processing.
If sufficient time has passed and your return remains unconfirmed, contacting the IRS directly may be necessary. The main IRS phone number for individual tax returns is 1-800-829-1040, available Monday through Friday. Be prepared for potential wait times and have your tax information readily available, including your Social Security Number, filing status, and the tax year in question. In rare situations where no record is found after extensive checks, and if you are due a refund, the IRS suggests considering re-filing, particularly if you filed on paper more than six months ago and the “Where’s My Refund?” tool does not show receipt.