Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the last day to file my tax return?

April 15 is the last day of filing. (If April 15 falls on a weekend, the deadline will be the first day of the following week.)

What happens if I am unable to file by the due date?

The due date of April 15 is merely put in place for taxpayers or companies that owes the IRS. Filing an extension is an option to file after the due date until October 15 of the same tax year.

What options are available to pay what is owed?

If you cannot pay your balance due, you can request an additional 60-120 days to pay your account in full through the Online Payment Agreement application or by calling 800-829-1040. If you need more time to pay, you can request an installment agreement or you may qualify for an offer in compromise.

How many years am I allowed to amend?

You are allowed to file an amended return within 3 years after the date you timely filed your original return or within 2 years after the date you paid the tax, whichever is later.

I lost my refund check. How do I get a new one?

If you lost your refund check, you should initiate a refund trace. Use "Where's my refund" through irs.gov or call 800-829-1954 and use the automated system or speak with an agent by calling 800-829-1040.

• However, if you filed a married filing jointly return, you can’t initiate a trace using the automated systems. Download and complete the Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding RefundPDF or the IRS can send you a Form 3911 to get the replacement process started.

Your claim for a missing refund is processed one of two ways:

• If the check wasn't cashed, you'll receive a replacement check once the original check is canceled.

• If the refund check was cashed, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) will provide you with a claim package that includes a copy of the cashed check. Follow the instructions for completing the claim package. BFS will review your claim and the signature on the canceled check before determining whether they can issue you a replacement check. The BFS review can take up to six weeks to complete.

How quickly will I get my refund?

The IRS issue most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. However, if you mailed your return and expect a refund, it could take four weeks or more to process your return. "Where's My Refund?" has the most up to date information available about your refund.

It's been longer than 21 days since the IRS received my return and I haven't gotten my refund. Why?

Some tax returns take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:

• Is sent by mail

• Contains errors or is incomplete

• Needs further review in general

• Is affected by identity theft or fraud

• Was referred to the IRS by the bank due to suspicious activity

• Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit. See Q&A below.

• Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse AllocationPDF, which could take up to 14 weeks to process

Why is my refund different than the amount on the tax return I filed?

All or part of your refund may be offset to pay off past-due federal tax, state income tax, state unemployment compensation debts, child support, spousal support, or other federal nontax debts, such as student loans. To find out if you may have an offset or if you have questions about an offset, contact the agency to which you owe the debt.

The IRS also may have changed your refund amount because they made changes to your tax return. You'll get a notice explaining the changes.