'Where's My Refund?'

LEARN HOW YOUR PLANNED GIFT CAN HELP THE AMERICAN LEGION

Tax-filing is in high gear, and the IRS is issuing millions of tax refunds each week. The latest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Time Guide highlights the popular use by taxpayers of the "Where’s My Refund?" tool.

This tool has three main sections. First, a taxpayer can confirm that their return has been received. The second stage is for the IRS to approve the return. The third step is for a tax refund to be issued, if applicable.

Millions of taxpayers anticipate receiving a refund. With the additional funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has provided several enhancements to the "Where’s My Refund?" tool. The updated version will now explain the refund status in plain language. It is also available on smartphones with the IRS2Go app. In some cases, it will indicate if a taxpayer should contact the IRS to provide additional information.

To use the "Where’s My Refund?" tool, the first step is to enter a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number, filing status and the exact dollar amount of the expected refund. The refund status is normally available within one day after e-filing a tax return or within four weeks after mailing in a paper return. The IRS updates the tool each night.

There are several factors that may delay a refund, such as if a tax return has errors or requires additional review or forms. Some taxpayers are delayed because they have not correctly calculated the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

The IRS is available to assist with questions on refunds if a return has been filed electronically and 21 days have passed. If the return was mailed, the IRS will respond to inquiries after six weeks.

The agency reminds taxpayers that there is extensive information available on IRS.gov. Assistance can be found for the following scenarios: selecting a qualified tax preparer, using the IRS Free File to complete a return, or using the Interactive Tax Assistant to answer questions. An excellent source for filing information includes videos that may be found online.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. Most electronic filers will receive a refund within 21 days. Income tax returns for this filing season are due by Monday, April 15.

The American Legion’s Planned Giving program is a way of establishing your legacy of support for the organization while providing for your current financial needs. Learn more about the process, and the variety of charitable programs you can benefit, at legion.org/plannedgiving. Clicking on “Learn more” will bring up an “E-newsletter” button, where you can sign up for regular information from Planned Giving.