Where’s your income tax refund? Read on
If you see that your refund has been issued, but you haven’t received it, you can start a “trace” to track it down.
—Office of Taxpayer Assistance. If you’ve followed the above steps and still can’t find your refund, it’s time to turn to the Office of Taxpayer Assistance. Go to www.IRS.gov and in the search box put in “taxpayer assistance.” That will lead you to the appropriately named Form 911. It’s a short form, and the way to get the process started.
The form comes in both English and Spanish, so scroll down to get the correct form you need.
—Taxpayer Advocate Service. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is a separate, independent organization within the IRS. They offer free help to guide you through the process of resolving tax problems that you haven't been able to solve on your own. To reach the closest office (each state has at least one), go to www.IRS.gov and enter “taxpayer advocate” in the search box. That leads you to a page explaining how the Taxpayer Advocate Service works, and on that page there is a search box that will give you the closest office. You can also call the Taxpayer Advocate Service toll-free at 877-777-4778.
—Create an IRS.gov account. This little-known process allows you to see exactly what’s going on in your “account” with the IRS! It’s what the IRS telephone reps turn to when answering your questions. To create your own IRS.gov account, go to www.IRS.gov/Account.
The first thing you’ll see is a “Sign-In” box, which will be confusing since you don’t already have an account. Click anyway, and the next page will allow you the option to create an ID.me account via a secure service provider to the IRS. To create that account, you’ll need your Social Security number as well as a government-issued picture ID, such as your driver’s license. It’s worth the time to go through this process.
The IRS may seem impenetrable. But if you use the technology correctly, you can get answers and help. And that’s The Savage Truth.
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(Terry Savage is a registered investment adviser and the author of four best-selling books, including “The Savage Truth on Money.” Terry responds to questions on her blog at TerrySavage.com.)
©2024 Terry Savage. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
