Why Does ‘Where’s My Refund?’ Say Information Doesn’t Match? The Possible Reasons
Introduction
Filing taxes can be a tedious task, but getting a refund can be a relief for taxpayers. ‘Where’s My Refund?’ is a popular portal offered by the IRS to track the status of refunds. However, at times, users may encounter an error message stating that the information doesn’t match. This article aims to give an insight into the possible reasons why the message appears and how to resolve the issue.
What Does the Message Mean?
When the message appears, it indicates that the information entered by the user does not match the records of the IRS. The information entered includes the social security number, filing status, and refund amount. The message could also mean that the refund has not been processed yet, and the portal does not have the required information.
Possible Reasons for the Message
There are several reasons why the message appears. One of the reasons is an error in entering the information. The information entered should match the details mentioned on the tax return. Any discrepancy can result in the message. Another reason is changes made to the return after filing. If there are any modifications to the return, it could take some time for the IRS to update the records. The message could also appear if the return is sent by mail. The portal updates the information when the return is received and processed by the IRS.
Resolving the Issue
If the message appears, don’t panic and wait for 24 hours before trying again. The portal may take some time to update the information, and users are advised to check the status after a day. If the message persists, cross-check the information entered with the return. Ensure that the details match and there are no discrepancies. If there are changes made to the return, wait for a few weeks before checking the status again. If the return was filed by mail, wait for a week to ten business days before checking the status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the message ‘information doesn’t match’ on ‘Where’s My Refund?’ can be due to various reasons. At times it could be a minor error, and at other times, it could require some patience. Double-checking the information and waiting for some time before checking the status again could resolve the issue. It’s always advisable to keep a copy of the return for future reference and adhere to the guidelines mentioned by the IRS.
