Access the IRS web site at www.irs.gov and select "Where is my refund" on the right side of the screen. Also select "Where is my refund" on the second screen and answer "OK" to the warning message. The next screen will have fields for SSN, filing status, and refund amount. Use the first SSN listed on your tax return, select the correct filing status (single, married filing joint, etc), enter the refund amount as reported on your tax return, and select :"Submit". You should get a status message advising you if part of your refund was held back and why it was held back. Some reasons for holding part of your refund is unpaid child support, unpaid education loans, unpaid mortgage credit received in a prior year, unpaid tax from a prior year, or unpaid VA medical expenses. There are other types of unpaid expenses the IRS may hold out of your refund. They should provide you a brief explanation of the reason for the hold back and give you a number to call. If all fails, call 800-829-1040, follow the prompts and wait for an operator to answer your call. Allow 30-60 minutes for this call.
