Tax season is a period of frustration and stress for many, but it can be a wonderful time of the year for those who are receiving tax refunds. But what is a tax refund and how can you claim it?
What is a tax refund?
A tax refund or a tax rebate is the return of the excess amount of income tax that you paid to the tax authorities. You may also get a refund if you have become unable to work due to medical condition, have become unemployed, or have purchased a product or service for which you can claim a tax relief.
If you are an employed individual, it is possible that your employer have calculated and deducted too much tax from your paycheck; when this happens, you’re eligible to get a tax refund.
There are many things that you can do with a tax refund. You can use it to invest in a property, to pay your debts, to fund your retirement accounts, and to buy things that you want. So if you haven’t thought about your tax rebates yet, then it’s time to think about them now.
How do you apply for a tax refund?
The process for applying for a tax refund may differ from country to country, but basically, you will need to file your income tax return to determine whether you’re eligible for a tax refund.
How do you get your tax refund?
There are different ways on how to get your tax refund, this depends on the country where you live or filed your tax return. But in the U.S., the IRS provides three different options wherein you can receive your income tax refund. It can be through direct deposits, paper checks, or U.S. Savings Bond.
The length of time between filing your tax return ad receiving your refund may vary depending on how you file your return and what method of payment you selected. If you filed electronically and chose Direct Deposit, you can expect to receive your tax refund faster, usually within three weeks after the IRS receives your application. But if you chose paper check and filed it using a paper return, you’ll have to wait much longer.
The IRS provides different ways in order to track the status of your tax refund. One way is by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. Just make sure that you are prepared to provide your filing status, your Social Security number, and the exact refund amount shown on your return when you call. Another way is by using their IRS2Go application. It’s a mobile app, which you can access with the use of your Smartphone to check the status of your tax refund. And another is by accessing their “Where’s My Refund” tool. It’s an online tool, which is specifically designed for tax payers to determine the status of your tax refund. It’s easy, quick, safe, and updated regularly.
For more information regarding tax returns and tax refunds, just visit the IRS website.
If you live in Australia and looking for a reliable tax professional, visit taxreturn247.com.au.