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Tax Refunds: Frequently Asked Questions

At the beginning of each year, you will begin to receive income tax forms, like a W-2 or 1099-MISC, in the mail.

After using these forms to file your taxes, you might expect a tax refund. While you can choose to have it deposited to your bank account, the IRS has full control over the disbursement process. 
 
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that may help you as you await a refund:

 

 
Question: When can I expect my tax refund?

Answer:

  • Extraco has no way of knowing the status of your refund until it makes it to your account.
  • To check the status of your refund, you must log in to the IRS website to use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. Once there, you will provide your social security number, filing status, and expected refund amount in order to get an update on your refund status. 
  • You should only contact the IRS if it has been more than 21 days since you filed your taxes OR if the “Where’s My Refund?” tool instructs you to. Please note: the IRS has indicated there are some COVID-19 related processing delays. It may take more than 21 days to receive.

 

 
Question: What does it mean if my refund got returned back to the IRS?

Answer:

  • Incorrect bank information was used when filing.
    • Confirm the correct routing and account number
    • If you used a money market investment account when filing, you must use the “Checking” account type.
  • The refund was submitted in someone else’s name not listed on the account.

 

 
Question: What if my address has changed?

Answer:

  • You must log in to the IRS website (or create a new account) to update your address.
  • Please note: If the IRS has attempted to direct deposit your refund and failed twice, they will send your refund via check to the most current address they have on file for you. 

 

Question: What if the Extraco bank account I used to receive my refund is now closed?

Answer:

  • If the account is closed, we will forward your tax refund to another similar checking account you have with Extraco Banks.
  • If you no longer have any accounts open at Extraco Banks, your direct deposit will be returned to the IRS.

 

For more FAQs and access to the “Where’s My Refund?” status tool, please visit the IRS website.