Tax refunds: Free calculators, direct deposit, remote work, and everything else you need to know

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A blank 1040 tax return form from the IRS. (iStock / Getty)

PHILADELPHIA - It’s tax season and Americans across the country are preparing their returns. Here’s what you need to know about checking your refund status, getting your money back quickly, and making sure you don’t miss any important deadlines.

How Much Will I Get Back In Taxes?

You can use a tax refund calculator to find out how much your refund will be before you get it back.

Companies like TurboTax, H&R Block and NerdWallet offer free calculators online.

You can also use the Tax Withholding Estimator from the Internal Revenue Service to estimate how much federal income tax you should withhold.

Can I File My Taxes For Free?

Qualified taxpayers can prepare and file federal income tax returns online for free using IRS Free File.

Using guided software, users answer simple questions and get accurate calculations to help you prepare your taxes and file for free.

Companies like TurboTax, H&R Block and NerdWallet offer free calculators online.

You can also use the Tax Withholding Estimator from the Internal Revenue Service to estimate how much federal income tax you should withhold.

Can I File My Taxes For Free?

Qualified taxpayers can prepare and file federal income tax returns online for free using IRS Free File.

Using guided software, users answer simple questions and get accurate calculations to help you prepare your taxes and file for free.

What Do Remote Workers Need To Know For Tax Season?

Working from home? You could be in for a tax shock this tax-filing season!

According to FOX Business, depending on where you live and where your employer is based, you may be subject to the income tax rules of two — or more — states.

When a person lives in one state but works in another, they may have tax liability in both states, the report says. Typically, taxpayers receive a credit to eliminate double taxation.

But there are five states that tax people where their office is located — even if that person does not physically work in the state. Connecticut, Delaware, Nebraska, New York and Pennsylvania all have the so-called ‘convenience rule’ in place. That means they can impose income tax on employees, even if they are working remotely in other states if they are employed by a company that is headquartered within their borders, the report says. Unless employees live and work in a state with no income tax, they could be taxed twice.

FOX Business says many states have reciprocity agreements in place that allow neighboring states to tax cross-border workers entirely based on residency — avoiding the complexities of filing, or paying, in two states.

There are 30 reciprocal agreements across 16 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Tax Foundation.

For example, if you live in Maryland but work over the border in Pennsylvania, you would not pay Pennsylvania taxes or file a tax return in that state. You would only have to pay Maryland taxes and file a return in the state in which you reside.

What's My Tax Refund Status? Check Where's My Refund:

The IRS has a free online tool you can use to check the status of your tax refund.

Here’s how it works. Jump online and head to irs.gov/wheres-my-refund.

Your refund status will appear around 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, three or four days after you e-file a prior-year return, or four weeks after you file a paper return.

Your refund information is updated once a day, overnight. You’ll need your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN), your filing status, and the exact refund amount on your return.

Where's My Refund shows your refund status like this:

Return Received – We received your return and are processing it.

Refund Approved – We approved your refund and are preparing to issue it by the date shown.

Refund Sent – We sent the refund to your bank or to you in the mail. It may take 5 days for it to show in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.

Why Is My Tax Refund Delayed?

If your tax return needs corrections or extra review, your refund may be delayed.

Also, if the IRS needs more information to process your return, you can expect a letter.

Here are some other reasons your refund might be taking longer.

Does the IRS Have a Tax Refund Phone Number?

Need to speak with someone about your tax return?

Use Where's My Refund, call the IRS at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and use the automated system, or speak with a representative by calling 800-829-1040 (see telephone assistance for hours of operation).

You can also use these contacts to find out if your federal tax refund check was cashed.

I Lost My Tax Refund Check. What Do I Do?

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

Believe it or not – it happens!

If you lost your refund check, the IRS says you should initiate a refund trace.

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.

Here’s more information on what to do.

When Is The Last Day To File Taxes?

File by April 15, 2024, to be on time.

Need more time? You can request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. But remember, an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.

Here's more about the deadlines you need to meet.