Filing your tax return electronically shouldn’t have to feel like sending something into outer space. There’s no need to be in the dark about whether the IRS has accepted your tax return and when you can expect to receive your refund.

For example, tax-filing early birds who got their returns in electronically by Jan. 14, and elected to get their refund via direct deposit, should have received their money on Jan. 29. That’s the first direct deposit date set by the IRS.

Assuming you weren’t among those early filers, you can use the Where’s My Refund tool on the IRS website to track your tax return and refund. It lets you check on the status of an electronic return within 24 hours of the IRS receiving it. But you’ll have to wait four weeks after you mailed a paper return to check its status with the tool. Another great reason to e-file if you can.

Where’s My Refund lets you follow your ret Continue reading →