Your Tax Questions Answered

Dislodging a Stuck Return

Kiplinger editorial director Kevin McCormally and fellow tax experts Peter Blank and Mary Beth Franklin tackle your most pressing tax challenges

By Kevin McCormally, Editorial Director, Kiplinger.com

January 14, 2010

QUESTION

I have amended my 2008 income taxes in order to get my $8000 tax credit for the purchase of our home. We filed this in August 2009. Our tax preparer told us the wait could be 8 or 12 weeks. It has been near 5 months now and still no check. Is there any way to check on the expedition of that refund or do I have to keep waiting?

KEVIN ANSWERS

I'm not sure if this works for amended returns, but try the IRS Where's My Refund tool.

I agree with your preparer that it seems like you should have your money by now. Another thought: Ask your U.S. congressman or Senator to inquire about the delay. When I worked on Capitol Hill many years ago, it was surprising how quickly a call from a congressional office could shake something loose. Good luck.

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