What to Do If IRS Where’s My Refund Says Information Doesn’t Match

What to Do If IRS Where’s My Refund Says Information Doesn’t Match

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is an agency responsible for administering tax laws, including income tax returns. In the digital age, the IRS has made it easier for taxpayers to know the status of their refunds through the “Where’s My Refund” online tool. However, there may be scenarios when taxpayers encounter the message “Information Doesn’t Match” while using the tool. In this article, we will discuss what it means and what you can do if you receive this message.

What does “Information Doesn’t Match” mean?

The message “Information Doesn’t Match” indicates that the IRS has found a discrepancy between the information in your tax return and what they have on file. Typically, this could happen due to various reasons such as incorrect social security number, incorrectly entered filing status, or simple math errors on the tax return. The IRS may also flag your account for review if they suspect identity theft or fraudulent activity.

Steps to take if you see the message “Information Doesn’t Match”

If you see this message, don’t panic. The first thing you need to do is to verify the information you have entered in the “Where’s My Refund” tool is accurate. Double-check your social security number, filing status, and refund amount to make sure they match what’s on your tax return.

If you have verified the information and still see the message, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, you can check your records to ensure that the return you filed matches the information that you have on file. Secondly, you can contact the IRS directly to clarify the issue and inform them of any changes that need to be made.

What to expect after taking the steps

After you have made the changes or contacted the IRS directly, it may take some time for the status of your refund to be updated. It is essential to note that not all discrepancies cause a delay in refunds. If the issue is resolved quickly, the refund process may continue without any further delays.

If the IRS has flagged your account for review due to suspected fraudulent activity, your refund may be delayed. The IRS may request additional documentation or information to verify your identity. It is vital to respond promptly to these requests and thoroughly document any communication with the IRS.

Conclusion

In conclusion, seeing the message “Information Doesn’t Match” while using the “Where’s My Refund” tool should not cause undue anxiety if handled correctly. Verify the information and take the necessary steps to resolve any discrepancies, keeping in mind that the IRS may request additional documentation if they suspect fraudulent activity. With patience and proper communication with the IRS, you can resolve the issue and receive your refund without delay.