IRS Refund Status 2024: Step-by-step Guide to track return status!

To check your 2024 IRS refund status, visit the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or utilise the IRS2Go app. You’ll need your Social Security or ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.

IRS Refund Status 2024

The IRS Refund Status is a tool provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. Its purpose is to help taxpayers track the progress of their tax refund after filing their income tax return. The tool provides real-time information about the status of your refund. 

You can check it online via the Where’s My Refund page on the IRS website or through the IRS2Go mobile app. Within approximately 24 hours after e-filing your current-year return, you can access your refund status. Knowing the status helps manage expectations and plan accordingly.

Step-by-step process for verifying your 2024 IRS refund status

When it comes to tracking your tax refund, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides a straightforward process. Follow these steps to verify your 2024 refund status:

  • Visit the official IRS website (www.irs.gov) or download IRS2GO using a secure internet connection. Look for the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
  • Input your SSN, filing status, and the refund amount into the designated fields. Double-check for accuracy.
  • After submitting your information, the system will process it. Be patient; it may take up to 24 hours for updates to appear.
  • Once processed, the tool will display your refund status. 
  • Consider setting up notifications (email or text) to receive updates on your refund status. This ensures you stay informed throughout the process.

IRS Refund Status

What outcomes can you expect when verifying your 2024 IRS refund status?

When you verify your 2024 IRS refund status, several possible outcomes can occur. Let’s delve into the details:

Return Received: 

  • This status indicates that the IRS has successfully received your tax return. It means they have acknowledged your submission and are in the process of reviewing it. However, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee approval or an imminent refund.

Refund Approved: 

  • If you see this message, it’s good news! The IRS has reviewed your return, verified the information, and approved your refund. At this stage, they are preparing to send the payment.

Refund Sent: 

  • Congratulations! This status means that the IRS has processed your refund and sent it to you. The method of payment could be direct deposit (usually faster) or a paper check via mail. Keep an eye on your bank account or mailbox for the funds.

Expected timeline for receiving your 2024 IRS refund 

The official start date for the 2024 tax season was January 29, 2024. The deadline for most taxpayers to file their federal tax return was April 15, 2024 (also known as “Tax Day”). This was the date by which you must either file your return or request an extension.

If you expect a refund and file electronically, you’ll typically receive it within 21 days. For the 2024 tax year, the extension deadline is October 15, 2024.

To avoid penalties, make sure you have submitted Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) by the regular filing deadline (April 15). 

With this extension, you get an extra six months to file your tax return. The timing of your refund depends on several factors such as Errors or Review, Credits, your status, etc. File electronically and choose a direct deposit method ensures quicker processing and delivery. You can check some expected timelines for various filing methods below.

Filing Method  Refund Method  Expected IRS Refunds 2024 Timeline 
Mail  Check About 6 weeks 
Mail  Direct Deposit  Within 4 weeks
E-file  Check  21 days + 1 week for check delivery 
E-file  Direct Deposit  Within 21 days

Why might your IRS 2024 tax refund take longer?

When it comes to tax refunds, several factors can contribute to delays in receiving your IRS refund for the year 2024. Let’s explore these points in detail:

Complex Returns or Errors:

  • If your tax return is complex –for example, if you have multiple sources of income, itemised deductions, or business-related filings, it may take longer for the IRS to process.
  • Errors on your return, such as incorrect Social Security numbers, maths mistakes, or missing information, can also lead to delays. The IRS will need to review and correct any discrepancies.

Additional Verification:

  • Certain tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), require additional verification. 
  • The IRS ensures that eligible taxpayers receive the correct amount, but this process can extend the refund timeline.

Identity Theft and Fraud Prevention:

  • The IRS is vigilant about preventing identity theft and fraudulent claims. If your return raises any red flags, they may conduct further investigations to verify your identity and the legitimacy of your refund request.
  • While this is essential for security, it can result in longer processing times.

Backlog and High Demand:

  • During peak tax season, the IRS handles a significant volume of returns. If they experience a backlog or increased demand, it can slow down the overall processing time.
  • Factors like staffing levels, technology upgrades, and unforeseen events (such as the pandemic) can impact their efficiency.

Paper Returns vs. E-Filed Returns:

  • If you file a paper return (by mail), it generally takes longer to process than an electronically filed (e-filed) return. 
  • Paper returns require manual data entry and additional handling. E-filed returns are processed more quickly, especially if you choose direct deposit for your refund.

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