Refund(p19)

If line 11a is under $1, we will send the refund only on written request.

If you want to check the status of your refund, see Refund Information in Section 6, later. You can also use the IRS2Go phone app or go to IRS.gov and click on Where's My Refund. Information about your return will generally be available within 24 hours after the IRS receives your e-filed return, or 4 weeks after you mail your paper return. If you filed Form 8379 with your return, wait 14 weeks (11 weeks if you filed electronically). Have your 2012 tax return handy so you can provide your social security number, your filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund.

Where's My Refund? has a new look this year! The tool will include a tracker that displays progress through three stages: (1) return received, (2) refund approved, and (3) refund sent. Where's My Refund? will provide an actual personalized refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund. So in a change from previous filing seasons, you won't get an estimated refund date right away.

Any refund you receive may not be counted as income when determining if you or anyone else is eligible for certain welfare programs. These programs include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). Check with your local benefit coordinator to find out if your refund will affect your benefits.