Tax season in the United States is officially over. April 15 was the last date when millions of Americans filed their tax returns with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). But that doesn’t mean that your interaction with the IRS is over. In fact, for many people, the best time is about to come – the tax refund!
If you have paid more tax than your income, then the government will now return that extra amount to you. This is called a tax refund, which is like a kind of “surprise bonus” for people – especially when there is a financial crunch.
Why do we get a tax refund?
A tax refund is received when you have paid more tax to the government than what you had to pay in a year. The government returns this extra money after checking your return. And the good news is that if your documentation and filing are all correct, then your tax refund can come to your account very soon.
Tax season is over, now what?
Even though the April 15 deadline has passed, the IRS is still checking tax returns every day. Each return is carefully reviewed, and if everything is found to be correct, the refund is sent out.
Many people think of this refund as an “extra stimulus check” because it’s money they didn’t expect, but which can ease their financial burden a little.
When will my tax refund arrive?
The timing of your refund depends on many factors, but the most important is when you filed your tax return. If you filed early, you may receive money sooner.
The estimated timeline is as follows:
- Returns filed between April 1 and April 15: Your check may arrive between April 22 and May 6.
- Returns filed in March: Most refunds have been issued; if yours hasn’t arrived, likely, it’s still under verification.
- Returns filed before March 1: Refunds should have been received; if not, additional review may be underway.
- Returns filed with extensions after April 15: Processing may take longer, but payments are being issued.
People who choose the Direct Deposit payment method will likely get their refund in a shorter period. Purchasing a paper check will result in extended processing times that span several weeks.
How to check the IRS tax refund status?
To track your tax refund status you should visit the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the Internal Revenue Service official website.
The system requires three pieces of information to function properly.
- Your marital status (Single, Married, etc.)
- Your refund amount (what you expect)
Based on this information, the website will tell you what stage your return is in – received, processing, or sent.
You can also use the IRS’s IRS2Go mobile app, which tracks refund status and sends notifications.
If you choose a Direct Express card for your refund (as many federal program beneficiaries do), the IRS transfers the money directly to the card. This is convenient for those who don’t have a traditional bank account.
Conclusion
Although tax season is over, if you have filed your tax return, there is still hope for your refund. If you have done everything right – documentation, timing and Direct Deposit – then this amount can appear in your bank account very soon. This amount can be a financial relief for you, especially at this time when inflation pressure is high.
FAQs
Q1. When is the tax refund expected if I filed between April 1 and April 15?
A1. You can expect your refund between April 22 and May 6.
Q2. How can I check the status of my tax refund?
A2. Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app.
Q3. What information is needed to check my refund status?
A3. You need your Social Security Number or ITIN, filing status, and expected refund amount.
Q4. Is Direct Deposit faster than a paper check for refunds?
A4. Yes, refunds via Direct Deposit are generally much faster.
Q5. Can I still get a refund if I filed after April 15 with an extension?
A5. Yes, but processing may take longer.
