Do you know how to track e-filed tax returns? You should. When you check e-filed tax returns to confirm if the IRS has received them, you will prevent problems later on.
If you e-filed your return yourself using the IRS’s Free File or Fillable Forms, the IRS’s system does a quick check and tells you immediately that your return has been accepted or rejected. The e-file confirmation is usually pretty quick. Minor errors, like a mistake in addition or subtraction or a Social Security number typo, can cause them to reject it. If it’s rejected for a simple reason like one of these, you can correct the error and resubmit it right away.
You can use a variety of methods in order to ensure you receive the IRS e-file confirmation. If you used online tax preparation software to file your return, these services will typically provide real-time updates concerning the receipt of your paperwork.
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IRS E-File Tracking
If you used a professional tax preparer who is an authorized IRS e-file provider, they should be able to tell you when your return was received and accepted by the IRS. All authorized e-file providers have a direct link to the IRS. Any information they give you on the status of your return should be current and accurate.
If you used an online commercial tax preparation service like TaxSlayer, TurboTax or Tax Act, they have automated systems to keep you informed. For example, TurboTax sends you an email that tells you your tax return was submitted and another one shortly after that tells you it’s been accepted or rejected. They also have tools so you can check on the status of your return at any time.
You just need to enter a few pieces of information. For example, with TurboTax, you just enter your Social Security number and ZIP code.
Regardless of what method you used to e-file your tax return, if you have a refund coming, you can also use one of the IRS’s refund tracking apps to find out if they’ve received your e-filed tax return. Their mobile app is called IRS2Go.
Their online app is called Where’s My Refund? They both give three responses: return received, refund approved and refund sent.
To get the IRS refund status of your return on these apps, you’ll need your Social Security number, filing status and the exact amount of the refund you’re expecting. The status of your return is usually available within 24 hours after you’ve e-filed, so give it a day or two and then check.
Both apps are updated every 24 hours, usually at night. If you’re unable to use one of these apps, you can call the IRS’s refund hotline at 800-829-1954 for an automated response.
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Tracking Prior Years and Amended Returns
The status of your e-filed state return is not on the IRS apps. If you used tax preparation software, you should be able to log in to your account and get the status of your state tax return.
You can also go to your state’s website to get this information. Many have automated systems like the IRS’s. A few still publish phone numbers for you to call.
Returns filed for past tax years can’t be tracked by these methods. These returns usually have to be mailed to the IRS, so there’s no electronic record of them. The quickest way to know that the IRS received your mailed tax return is to send it by certified mail with a return receipt.
The return receipt is a postcard that you address to yourself. You get it back with the signature of the person who accepted your return on it. The IRS usually rubber stamps it, but this signature is no less valid. It proves they received your return.
Amended returns usually have to be mailed, too. Again, certified mail will give you the quickest confirmation that the IRS received it. They do have an online tool called Where’s My Amended Return? However, the IRS recommends waiting three weeks from when you mailed your amended return to start using it. You’ll need your Social Security number, date of birth and ZIP code.
Tracking 2021 IRS Tax Refund
The IRS says that your best bet for gauging when you’ll receive your 2021 refund is to go straight to Where’s My Refund? You can also use IRS2Go to pay your tax bill.
Both apps only have information on refunds for original, current year filings. Usually, refunds are issued within 21 calendar days. But you may not access information on amended or past years’ filings.
The most common reason you’re likely not getting a “return received” response is that you’re checking too soon. The IRS says they’ll acknowledge your e-filed return within 24 hours. However, many tax preparation websites say to give it 48 to 72 hours.
Also, the 2022 tax season officially started on Jan. 24, 2022. If you filed before that date, you won’t receive an acknowledgment that your return has been received until Jan. 30 or later.
Read More: Where's My Tax Refund: An Easy Guide
