How to Check the Status of Your Tax Refund

Speaker 1: The IRS says we can expect refund delays in 2021. So here's some advice on ways to help the process go smoothly and how to keep tabs on your money. Speaker 1: The saying goes, the early bird gets the worm, and that couldn't be more true when it comes to filing your taxes and scoring that refund. Now, while the IRS says delays are to be expected due to challenges caused by the pandemic filing ahead of the deadline, [00:00:30] which is April 18th. This year for most of us is the first step to ensure that your paperwork gets processed sooner than later. IRS commissioner Chuck Redick said as much in a statement where he said filing a paper tax return this year means an extended refund delay. Now to stay on top of your personal return status and refund, head to the website, irs.gov/refunds, and click on check my refund status. You can also just go to any search bar and type in where's my refund. [00:01:00] And you'll see the IRS website as a top search result. Once you're there, you'll need to input some key information, including your social security number, your filing status and refund amount. Speaker 1: Be sure to include the entire amount which you filed out on form 10 40 line 35, a the IRS says you can check on the status of your refund 24 hours after you file online. If you file it through the mail, it may take four weeks before your status can be tracked using the website. Now, if all the information you provided is [00:01:30] correct, you should be led to a page that gives you the latest status. You'll see that your return has either been received, which means the IRS has your return and is processing it. It could say approved, which means the IRS has verified your refund, or it'll say sent, which means your refund is on its way to your home or your bank account. If this website isn't helpful, or if you're unable to get through, you might be tempted to call the IRS directly for a little bit of help, but that can be very challenging. And the IRS recommends waiting at least [00:02:00] three weeks from sending in your return to call for help. If you worked with a tax preparer, this person may also be able to assist you. If you enjoy these videos, be sure to hit that subscribe button share. And as always, you wanna hear from you send us your questions right below best of luck with the tax season for CNET money. I'm Farish Torabi.