20 Apr I filed my taxes weeks ago. Where is my refund?

Q. I filed my taxes weeks ago. Where is my refund?
— Waiting patiently

A. There are ways to keep tabs on whatever refund you are expecting.

First, for New Jersey, you can call (800) 323-4400 or (609) 826-4400 to reach Taxation’s automated service. You will need to enter your Social Security number and the amount of the refund you’re expecting.

“These automated systems can tell you if and when your refund was mailed and when you should receive it,” the website said.

If you filed electronically and requested a direct deposit, the system can tell you when a deposit was made to your account.

You can also use Taxation’s online “Income Tax Refund Status Service” tool to check up the status.

For this, you’ll also need to provide your Social Security number and the amount of your refund.

When your refund update will be available via either system will depend on when you filed your return.

If you filed electronically, it could take at least four weeks, and for paper returns, it could take at least 12 weeks, before your information is in the system, the website said.

“Paper returns are not logged in as they are received,” the website said. “Division of Taxation personnel cannot verify receipt of your return until processing has begun, and the return appears in our computer system.”

Your federal return information has a different timeline, and you can expect your refund in less than 21 days.

You can use the IRS’ “Where’s my refund” tool, which is updated every 24 hours.

Electronic returns that have been filed at least 24 hours before, and paper returns that were filed four weeks before, should make it into the system.

“When the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund, you can see your actual personalized refund date,” the IRS website said. “Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days after we receive your tax return, it’s possible your tax return may require additional review and take longer.”

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This story was originally published on April 20, 2023.

NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.