Online Refund Tool Update Allows Tracking of Previous Two Years' Refunds, IR-2022-109

The IRS has updated the “Where’s My Refund?” online tool and introduced a new feature that allows taxpayers to check the status of their current tax year and two previous years’ refunds. Taxpayers will need their Social Security number or ITIN, filing status and expected refund amount from the original filed tax return for the tax year they are checking. Using this online tool, taxpayers can start checking the status of their refund within 24 hours of e-fling a 2021 tax return, three or four days after e-filing a 2019 or 2020 return, or four weeks after mailing a return.

“We encourage those who expect a refund, but requested an extension, to file as soon as they’re ready. We process returns on a first-in basis, so the sooner the better,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. ” There’s really no reason to wait until October 17 if filers have the relevant information to file now. Free File is still available for extension recipients to use to prepare and file their federal tax return for free.”

The “Where’s My Refund?” tool allows taxpayers to track refund through return received, return approved and return sent stages. Additionally, the IRS continues to enhance the customer experience by enhancing and expanding digital tools that deliver improved services to taxpayers. Finally, the IRS informed taxpayers that there is no need to call the IRS to check on refund status unless it has been more than 21 days since the return was filed or the tool says the IRS can provide more information. If the IRS needs more information to process the return, the taxpayer will be contacted by mail.