It is a common question that taxpayers ask when filing their taxes - How do I know if IRS received my tax return? Knowing that the IRS has received your tax return is important, as it confirms your return has been accepted and is being processed. The IRS does not confirm that your tax return has been received, but there are several things you can do to make sure your return has been accepted. In this article, we'll explain how to know if IRS received your tax return and what to do if the IRS doesn’t acknowledge receipt.
Check the Status of Your Tax Return
The easiest way to know if IRS received your tax return is to check the status of your return. You can do this by using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool. All you need is your social security number or tax ID, the filing status you used to file your return, and the exact amount of your refund.
Once you enter this information, the tool will tell you if the IRS received your tax return, if it’s being processed, or if they need additional information. In general, you should receive your refund within 21 days of the IRS receiving your tax return. However, this timeline can vary depending on the complexity of your return.
Check Your Tax Return for Errors
It’s possible that the IRS hasn’t received your tax return due to an error. Before you contact the IRS, check your tax return for errors. Common errors include incorrect Social Security numbers, incorrect bank account information, and math errors. If you find any errors, correct them and resubmit your return.
Check Your Mail for IRS Notices
The IRS may send you a notice if they haven’t received your tax return. If you receive a notice, it will tell you how to resolve the issue and what information you need to provide. Resolve the issue as soon as possible, as this will ensure the IRS receives your return and processes your refund.
Contact the IRS
If you’ve checked the status of your return and still don’t know if IRS received your tax return, you can contact the IRS. However, the IRS is a large organization and they receive millions of tax returns each year, so it might take some time for them to get back to you. Additionally, you may have to wait on hold for a long time before you can speak to someone.
If you need to contact the IRS, you can reach them by phone, email, or mail. Make sure you have all the information necessary, such as your Social Security number, tax ID, filing status, and the exact amount of your refund. This will help the IRS process your inquiry more quickly.
What to Do if the IRS Doesn’t Acknowledge Receipt
If the IRS doesn’t acknowledge receipt of your tax return, you should resubmit your return. It’s important to note that you must submit a corrected return, rather than a duplicate return. Duplicate returns are not accepted by the IRS and can cause delays in processing your return.
In addition, make sure you keep a copy of your return for your records. This will help you document that you filed your return on time and provide proof of your return in case the IRS loses it.
Conclusion
Knowing if IRS received your tax return is important, as it confirms your return has been accepted and is being processed. You can check the status of your return using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool and look for errors on your return. You can also check your mail for IRS notices or contact the IRS directly. If the IRS doesn’t acknowledge receipt of your return, you should resubmit your return.
