When Will I Receive my Refund?

• If you requested a paper check, the IRS will mail it within six weeks of receiving your return unless it detects an error on the return, you filed an amended return or you filed for an injured spouse allocation. Amended returns typically take eight to 12 weeks to process. The exact circumstances of the errors or injured spouse claim will determine the delay to process refunds for those returns.
  
  

If Refund Check Is Incorrect, Should I Cash It?

• If the refund is less than you were expecting, you can cash the check. If, after two weeks you have not received a letter from the IRS explaining why your refund was reduced, contact the agency. The IRS will issue a second check for the balance due if you are entitled to it. However, if the check is for more than you are entitled, do not cash the check before you receive an explanation from the IRS.
  
  

How Do I Check Status of Refund?

• To check status online, go to the IRS website and click on the link, "Where's my Refund?" located on the right-hand side of the page. You will need to know the Social Security number for the primary taxpayer, or person listed first, if filing a joint return. You will also need to know the amount of the refund you are expecting and your filing status, such as "single" or "head of household." You should wait three days if you filed electronically or three weeks if you mailed your return before you check the status. You can also obtain information by calling an automated hotline at 800-829-1954.
  
  

What Types of Errors May Delay Refund?

• Common errors that can result in a delayed refund include errors in addition or subtraction, using the wrong tax table for your filing status and entering information for taxes withheld or estimated payments on an incorrect line. Social security numbers for you, your spouse and children must be correct and the names entered must correspond to the names shown on Social Security cards because discrepancies can delay your refund. If you fail to attach the forms and schedules required, your refund may be delayed as well.
  
  

What iIs IRS Form 3911?

• The Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, is used by the IRS when a taxpayer reports his refund check was never received, was lost or stolen after receipt. The taxpayer completes the information indicated and returns the form to the IRS to receive a replacement check.