March 13, 2009, Newsletter Issue #158: Tax Return Status

Tip of the Week

Tax return status is lingo for “how far along is your tax return from either being finished or being submitted to the IRS?” Finding out your tax return status depends on the method you choose to prepare and submit it. Either way, you want to know if it has been started in the tax return preparation process, been finalized, and/or be submitted to the IRS.

If you have someone else prepare and submit your 2006 income tax return, and it was not completed while you were in your appointment, simply call him or her. Know that even though you may like to believe your income tax return is the most important in the world, your tax preparer will probably have many other returns that need processing. Give them at least one week from the date you took it in before you inquire as to its status.

Also, know that your income tax preparer will call you if they have any questions regarding any of the information needed for your income tax return. And, you will receive a phone call when your return is ready to be submitted, but is waiting for your signature. These are both great times to ask about the time frame regarding the completion of your 2006 income tax return.

If you prepare your income tax return yourself, and submit it electronically, you will receive a submission receipt confirmation when you e-file your tax return. This assures you that the IRS has received your return. You also do not need to know about your income tax return status, obviously.

If you mailed your paper return in, the IRS states it takes an average of 6-8 weeks to process your return. The later in the tax year you mail your return, the longer it will take for it to be processed. It is recommended to not call them and ask. They are simply swamped during tax season. However, if you must call them, you can speak to an IRS representative by calling 1-800-829-1954 during normal business hours. The actual hours will be shown in your Form instruction booklet.

You can, however, call the IRS to find out about your tax refund, if you are due any. This is a way to also find out where along the income tax preparation process your tax return is. For instance, if you receive information about your refund, you can determine the status of your income tax return. If you receive a refund, it means your tax return is complete. Do not attempt to get this information, however, until about 6 weeks after you have mailed in your tax return to your local IRS service center. Or, if you filed electronically, wait at least three weeks. You can visit the IRS website to enter “Where’s My Refund?”. Or, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4477 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. To speak to a live person call 1-800-829-1954 during operating hours.

Effective for the 2006 tax year, the IRS has expanded their customer service for taxpayers. Taxpayers can now schedule a personal appointment at locations throughout the U.S. This is done through the IRS’ Everyday Tax Solutions service.

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