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When to expect the refund

By HANK EZELL

Cox News Service

March 20, 2005

Here's a common question: How can I find out when I'll get my refund?

The first thing to know is that you'll get it faster if you file electronically, or e-file. If you add your paper return to the piles at an IRS service center, it will take weeks longer to process.

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CPA Pamela Frain offered this advice: If you have access to the Internet, the easiest way is to log onto the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov, and click on Where's My Refund. Individuals without Internet access can call 1-800-829-4477 for automated refund information. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To obtain the refund status, you will be asked to provide your Social Security number, filing status and the amount of the refund expected.

Before checking on the status of a refund, the IRS requests you wait seven days if a return was filed electronically or by TeleFile. For paper returns, that time is four to six weeks.

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