As taxpayers begin filing their tax returns for the 2023 tax season, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided an easy way for taxpayers to check the status of their tax refunds using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. This tool is available on the IRS website and provides taxpayers with up-to-date information on the status of their refund.

To use the "Where's My Refund?" tool, taxpayers will need to provide their Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number, their filing status, and the exact amount of their expected refund. The tool will then display the status of the taxpayer's refund, including whether it has been received, approved, or sent.

Taxpayers who file electronically can typically expect their refunds to be issued within 21 days of their return being accepted by the IRS. However, taxpayers who file a paper return may have to wait longer, as it can take up to six weeks for the IRS to process a paper return and issue a refund.

Taxpayers who use the "Where's My Refund?" tool can avoid the need to call the IRS to check the status of their refund, as the tool provides real-time information on the status of the refund. This can save taxpayers time and frustration, as well as helping to reduce call volumes at the IRS.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the "Where's My Refund?" tool provided by the IRS:

Q: How often is the refund status updated on the "Where's My Refund?" tool?

A: The refund status is updated once per day, usually overnight. Taxpayers should check the tool once per day for updates on their refund status.

Q: How long does it take for a refund to show up in the "Where's My Refund?" tool?

A: Taxpayers can typically expect their refund to show up in the tool within 24 hours of the IRS receiving their electronically filed return, or four weeks after mailing a paper return.

Q: What does the refund status message "Your tax return is still being processed" mean?

A: This message means that the IRS has received the tax return and is processing it. The status message will change to "Refund Approved" once the return has been processed and the refund has been approved.

Q: What if the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows that my refund was sent, but I haven't received it yet?

A: Taxpayers should allow 10 days from the date the refund was sent for it to be deposited or mailed. If the refund still hasn't been received after 10 days, taxpayers should contact the IRS for assistance.

Q: Can the "Where's My Refund?" tool be used to check the status of an amended return?

A: No, the "Where's My Refund?" tool is only for checking the status of original tax returns. Taxpayers who have filed an amended return should use the "Where's My Amended Return?" tool provided by the IRS.