But what if your refund hasn't arrived? No need to panic. The IRS has actually made it relatively easy to track.

The arrival of your tax refund depends on several factors: (1) when you filed, (2) how you filed and, for some taxpayers, (3) how efficient your post office is. 

According to the IRS, if you went the e-file route and at the same time requested a direct deposit into your bank account, you should have your return within three weeks.

On the other hand, if you filed the old fashioned way - that is, a paper return, and requested that the IRS mail you your check, plan on up to eight weeks.

Here's what to do if you're past your "due" date and no payment has arrived.

Begin the process by gathering three items: your Social Security number, the filing status you used on your return (single, married filing separately, married filing jointly, head of household) and the exact dollar amount you're expecting.

Note: If you filed a joint return, use the name and Social Security number of the spouse shown first on the return. And, the dollar amount should match the exact amount you entered on your return.

Armed with this information, you can now do one of two things -- go online to check your refund status or call a special number. 

Telephoning the IRS

Call: 800-829-1954 and you'll be walked through the tracking process by an automated system. Have a copy of your return available as well as paper and pencil.

Going online 

The IRS web page, "Where's My Refund?" is quite easy to use. Go to: www.irs.gov. As we go to press, the link to this section is prominently displayed on the home page. If when you get there, it is not, type "where's my refund" in the search box.

If the IRS has mailed out your check or deposited it into your bank account, you'll be given the date when this transaction took place.

Dealing with a returned check

What if the post office returned your check to the IRS - perhaps because of an inaccurate address, missing ZIP code or due to the fact that you recently moved? In most cases, taxpayers can correct their addresses online. Or, again, call: 800-829-1954.

Tracking a lost check

If you find out (either by phone or via the IRS web site) that your check was sent out but you haven't received it, return to the "Where's My Refund?" program" and use the online tracing system. Or, if you wish to use the phone, call the IRS but use this number: 800-829-1040.

If you want to use a nearby IRS office, the IRS web page, "How To Contact Us" gives local addresses and numbers.

 - Nancy Dunnan

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