Tax season is almost over, which means the countdown for your refund is about to begin. Your CPA worked hard to ensure that you’ll receive the largest refund possible, but the process after can be vague. Questions of how much you’ll be receiving and how long it’ll take to arrive can be frustrating. The following guide will help answer your questions and make the wait easier.

Your Tax Refund Questions Answered

When will I receive my refund?

Most refunds are issued by check within 21 days. There’s no way to speed up this process. If you signed up for a direct deposit, a five-day hold is placed on it before it can be used. However, incomplete or missing information on the forms may delay the refund’s arrival. Though the IRS will contact you if more tax data is needed, having your taxes done by a CPA will ensure everything remains on schedule.

How much will my refund be?

Your CPA can’t request a specific refund amount. The amount differs every year and is dependent on several factors, including the employee withholding on your W-4 form, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax. You’ll be refunded the difference between the withheld money and the income tax you paid for the year.  

How can I check the status of my refund?

Even if a CPA did your taxes, they can’t give you a status update. Download the IRS2Go app, or the Where’s My Refund tool on their website will allow you to check the status of your refund within 24-48 hours of the IRS receiving it. Before giving you access, you will have to provide either your Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to verify your identity.

What should I do if my refund hasn’t arrived?

The IRS has a dedicated tax refund hotline at 800-829-4477. Their hours are Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. They also have a 24-hour assistance line at 800-829-1040. They can initiate a refund trace to determine what caused the delay.

For over 30 years, Clark W. Terrell CPA has provided expert tax services to businesses and individuals. He provides personal attention to each of his clients—offering home visits and fixed prices to help save you time and money. Terrell’s experience and QuickBooks certification streamline the tax process, so your filings are quick and accurate. If you’re in the Ashley, Crossett, Hamburg, and Monticello areas of Arkansas, set up an appointment at (870) 364-5006. For a list of his many services, including payroll and bookkeeping, visit his website.