How to see how much tax you get back

The IRS is always busy during the spring season, but this year the agency is hustling more than ever to keep up with its extra workload, smaller staff and back log of tax returns.

If you're still waiting on your tax return to arrive, either through direct deposit to your bank or as a paper check, don't file a second tax return or call the IRS (per a statement on the agency's website). Instead, use one of two tools available through the IRS website and/or its mobile app to check the status of your return.

How to check when you will receive your tax return

IRS2Go is the official mobile app of the IRS, which you can use to check your refund status, make a payment, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more. The app is available in Spanish and English, and you can download it from Google Play, the Apple App Store or Amazon.

You can also use the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website. To check your refund status, you will need your social security number or ITIN, your filing status and the exact refund amount you are expecting.

The IRS updates the tool's refund status on a daily basis, usually overnight, so check back in routinely for the most up-to-date information.

If it's been more than 21 days since you e-filed your federal tax return, you should you call the agency directly.

If you haven't filed your taxes for the 2021 tax year yet, consider going with a tax prep software that offers expert tax assistance. Speaking with a tax-prep expert may help ensure that your return is accurate, which can help facilitate a timely return.

Here are Select's top picks for best tax filing software:

• Best overall tax software: TurboTax
• Runner-up: H&R Block
• Best free tax software: Credit Karma Tax
• Best affordable tax software: TaxSlayer
• Best for accuracy guarantee: TaxAct

Read more

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.

PAYE customers – end of year process

1. Overview
2. Employment Detail Summary
3. Preliminary End of Year Statement
4. Income Tax Return
5. Statement of Liability
6. How you will receive a refund, if due
7. What to do in an underpayment position

Note

For self-assessed and self-employed customers, please see Filing your tax return.

For PAYE customers, please see the information below.

The quickest and easiest way to complete an Income Tax Return is through PAYE Services in myAccount. 

In order to claim additional tax credits, or declare additional income for a previous year, you must complete an Income Tax Return.  You can do this by following these steps:

• sign in to myAccount and complete the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• click the ‘Review your tax 2018 -2021’ link in PAYE Services
• select ‘Submit your Income Tax Return’ for the appropriate year.

All Pay As You Earn (PAYE) customers must complete an Income Tax Return to:

• claim additional tax credits, reliefs or expenses
• declare additional income
• obtain a Statement of Liability for the year
• claim refunds of any tax or Universal Social Charge (USC) overpaid
• confirm any liability of any tax or USC underpaid. 

Video on 'How to request a Statement of Liability and complete an Income Tax Return'.

Video on 'How to request a Statement of Liability and complete an Income Tax Return for 2018'.

Time limits

Income Tax Return submissions must be made within four years after the end of the tax year to which the return relates. From January 2022, you can submit an Income Tax Return for the years 2018-2021.

Next: Statement of Liability

Register for myAccount

First time employees should register for MyAccount. MyAccount is a single online access point for Revenue services.