MiddletownJournal.com

Online feature makes it easy to track refunds

How soon will your tax refund arrive? You can start tracking your refund seven days after filing electronically, or four to six weeks after filing a paper return. Here's how:

Go to the Internal Revenue Service Web site at www.irs.gov and enter "Where's My Refund?" in the search box at the top right of the page.

More tax tips: •  Keep an eye on tax changes this year •  Volunteers are ready to help seniors with tax returns •  Filing from home is easier than ever •  Check all data entry carefully •  Phishing, other scams, abound at tax time •  Online feature makes it easy to track refunds •  Tax breaks for saving energy start this year

You'll be taken to a secure site to enter your Social Security number or IRS individual taxpayer identification number, filing status and the exact refund amount shown on the tax return.

Within a few seconds, the IRS will let you know whether your tax return has been received and processed and whether a refund has been issued, either in the form of a government check mailed to your home or a direct deposit to your bank account using the account information you provided on your tax return.

If you prefer a lower-tech approach, call the IRS' Automated Refund Service at 1-800-829-4477.

If eight weeks have elapsed since you filed your taxes and you have not received your refund, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.