Speeding up the process
Waiting any longer than necessary for a refund is one of the most infuriating parts of the filing process. That's why the IRS encourages taxpayers to do what they can to speed up the process.The quickest path to your refund, says the IRS, is through e-filing and refund direct deposit. This usually cuts a refund wait to half of what paper filers face. In fact, says the agency, some refunds, especially those filed for early in the tax season, are issued in as little as two weeks.
Sometimes a slow refund is the filer's fault rather than the result of an overwhelmed IRS. Refunds are delayed when a taxpayer makes a mistake on a return, causing the agency to spend time tracking down the correct data. Some common filing blunders are math miscalculations, a mismatched name and Social Security number, a missing signature or omitted attachments such as W-2s or IRS schedules.
What if it's lost?
Occasionally, though, a tax check actually is lost.If your online or automated phone inquiry reveals your refund was mailed but it still hasn't shown up, you can begin an online refund trace using the "Where's My Refund?" program. This option is available for filers who are still waiting for refund money the IRS says was mailed at least 28 days earlier. If this is your situation, the online program will prompt you to take the next steps.
You also can call the IRS' main help line at (800) 829-1040. But be forewarned: During the filing season, you're probably in for a wait.
More localized assistance might be a better move. Check the IRS' "How to Contact Us" Web page for local and regional agency addresses and numbers.
Once the IRS verifies your refund check is lost or stolen, the replacement process will begin. You might be asked to complete Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to get the ball rolling.
What if the check is wrong?
When a refund check finally arrives, sometimes there are more questions than answers.If you get a refund and you weren't expecting one, or the check is for more than you thought you'd get, don't cash it. The IRS should send you a notice explaining the difference, along with any additional information or instructions. If you don't get an explanatory letter within two weeks of getting your questionable refund, it's time to call (800) 829-1040 again.
On the other hand, if your refund is less than you expected, go ahead and cash the check. If further investigation reveals that you should have received more, the IRS will make up the difference (plus a bit of interest if it takes more than 45 days to correct the error) and send you another check for the balance due.
Check your bank account
The IRS has one final piece of advice for anxious filers still looking for that refund: If you requested direct deposit, check your bank account regularly.The IRS will simply transfer the money to your financial institution without sending you any other notification. It's up to you to find out if the refund is already in your account.