While IRS issues the majority of taxpayer refunds in less than 21 days for electronically filed returns, in some cases return processing can be delayed. If it has been more than 21 days since your tax preparer electronically filed your return, or 6 or more weeks since you mailed in a paper copy of your return, you can and should contact IRS to determine the status of your refund.

There are multiple ways to check the status of your refund. Regardless of the method, you should be prepared to supply identifying information, including your name, social security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc), current address, and the amount of the refund listed on the return.

The traditional method of contacting IRS is by phone. Fortunately, IRS has a refund-specific hotline at 1-800-829-1954. Keep in mind that the phone lines are generally busiest on Monday and least busy around Wednesday or Thursday.

If you are a little more tech-savvy, you can check your refund status on your phone or check your refund status online. Visit https://www.irs.gov/refunds for more information about using these options.

Lastly, if you feel like talking with someone in-person, IRS has local taxpayer assistance offices. Visit https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office for a list of local offices or consult your phone book.

Clergy Financial Resources serves as a resource for clients to help analyze the complexity of clergy tax law, church payroll & HR issues. Our professionals are committed to helping clients stay informed about tax news, developments and trends in various specialty areas.

This article is intended to provide readers with guidance in tax matters. The article does not constitute, and should not be treated as professional advice regarding the use of any particular tax technique. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information. Clergy Financial Resources and the author do not assume responsibility for any individual’s reliance upon the information provided in the article. Readers should independently verify all information before applying it to a particular fact situation, and should independently determine the impact of any particular tax planning technique. If you are seeking legal advice, you are encouraged to consult an attorney.

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