After you file

I believe the email you received is a notification that the IRS accepted your return since they do not send email notifications for approved returns. Accepted means that preliminary information matches, such as name, date of birth, and social security number. Once the return is accepted, the IRS will check the remainder of the return. Once that portion is completed, which the IRS states should generally take no more than 21 days, your return will move to approved status, and a refund date will be issued.

If there is no record of your return, or the system says the information is wrong, please make sure you are entering the correct social security number, filing status, and refund amount.

To verify your Social Security Number:

• If you filed a Form 1040, the Social Security Number is shown on Page 1 in the upper right-hand corner.
• If you filed a Form 1040NR, the Social Security Number is shown on Page 1 in the upper right-hand corner.
• If you filed a Form 1040PR, the Social Security Number is shown on Page 1 in the upper right-hand corner.
• If you filed a Form 1040SS, the Social Security Number is shown on Page 1 in the upper right-hand corner.

 To verify your refund amount:

• If you filed a Form 1040, the Refund Amount is shown on Line 35a.
• If you filed a Form 1040NR, the Refund Amount is shown on Line 35a.
• If you filed a Form 1040PR, the Refund Amount is shown on Line 14a.
• If you filed a Form 1040SS, the Refund Amount is shown on Line 14a.

 To verify your filing status:

• If you filed a Form 1040, the Filing Status is shown on the top of the form above your name and social security number.
• If you filed a Form 1040NR, the Filing Status is shown on the top of the form above your name and social security number.
• If you filed a Form 1040PR, the Filing Status is shown on Page 1, Part 1, Line 1.
• If you filed a Form 1040SS, the Filing Status is shown on Page 1, Part 1, Line 1.

If you cannot track your refund on the IRS refund tool despite confirming your information is correct, please click here for some more tips.