How to Check Your Tax Return Status Online
Easily track your tax return status online with our guide, covering tools, required credentials, and solutions for common issues.
Filing taxes is an obligation for individuals and businesses to comply with government regulations. After submitting your tax return, keeping track of its status can help you plan financially. Online tools provided by tax authorities make this process convenient and transparent, offering timely updates to taxpayers.
Online Status Tools
Checking your tax return status online is straightforward with tools offered by tax authorities. In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on its website and mobile app, which tracks federal tax returns through three stages: Return Received, Refund Approved, and Refund Sent. Similarly, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers the “My Account” service, which allows Canadian taxpayers to view their return status and other tax-related details.
These tools provide real-time updates, reducing the need to contact tax offices during peak tax season when processing times vary. Electronic returns are processed more quickly than paper returns, often within 21 days in the U.S., while paper returns can take up to six weeks.
Credentials Required
To access your tax return status online, specific credentials are required to ensure security and privacy. The IRS requires your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status, and the exact amount of your expected refund. This information verifies your identity and prevents unauthorized access. The CRA requires either a CRA user ID and password or a Sign-In Partner, a secure login service used by Canadian financial institutions.
In some cases, additional authentication may be necessary. For example, the IRS may require first-time users to verify their identity through security questions or two-factor authentication. These measures are designed to protect taxpayers from identity theft and fraud. Taxpayers should safeguard their login credentials and update passwords regularly.
Types of Status Messages
Online status tools provide updates on the current stage of your tax return. In the U.S., the IRS uses messages like “Return Received,” “Refund Approved,” and “Refund Sent” to indicate progress. These messages help taxpayers track their returns and understand when to expect their refunds, whether via direct deposit or check.
In Canada, the CRA offers similar updates, such as “Processing,” “Completed,” or “Review in Progress.” A “Review in Progress” message may indicate that additional information is needed or that a routine audit is underway, which could affect the timing of your refund. Familiarity with these messages helps taxpayers manage expectations and prepare for any necessary follow-up actions.
Options if Status Is Unavailable or Delayed
If your tax return status is unavailable or delayed, verify that all submission requirements and deadlines were met. Late or incomplete submissions, as well as missing documents like W-2s or 1099s in the U.S. or T-slips in Canada, can cause delays.
If everything appears accurate, consult a tax professional or accountant for further guidance. They can provide insights based on experience and help determine whether delays are typical in your situation. Additionally, monitor official communications from the IRS or CRA, as these may include notices about discrepancies or requests for additional information. Addressing such issues promptly can help resolve delays.