Where to check your adjusted refund status
The IRS tracks adjusted refunds through the same tool you use to check any refund: Where's My Refund? on IRS.gov. This tool shows you the current status of your return, including whether the IRS has made changes to it and what your refund amount is now.
You can also call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with someone who can tell you what changed on your return and when your refund will arrive. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return ready when you call.
If you filed through a tax professional or software company, they may also have a portal where you can see updates. Check any confirmation email they sent you after you filed — it usually contains a link to track your return.
Key Takeaways
- Where's My Refund on IRS.gov is the official place to see what the IRS changed on your return and your new refund amount.
- The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in the same day will show the same information.
- An adjusted refund means the IRS found a difference between what you reported and what their records show, and they corrected it.
- You can call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with an IRS representative who can explain exactly what was changed and why.
What "adjusted" means on your refund
An adjusted refund happens when the IRS reviews your return and finds a difference between what you reported and what they have on file. This could be income they have a record of that you didn't report, a deduction you claimed that doesn't match their records, or a credit you claimed that you don't meet the requirements for.
The IRS sends you a notice in the mail explaining what they changed and why. This notice, called a Notice of Adjustment, includes the amount they added or subtracted and your new refund total. Read this notice carefully — it tells you whether you can dispute the change and how to do it.
An adjustment does not mean you did anything wrong on purpose. It usually means the IRS found information (like a 1099 form from an employer or bank) that didn't match your return, or that you missed reporting something.
How to read your adjustment notice
The IRS notice will have a section that explains what line of your return was changed. It will say something like "We adjusted your reported income" or "We disallowed this deduction." Next to that explanation, you will see the dollar amount of the change.
At the bottom of the notice, you will see your new refund amount. This is the amount you will receive after the adjustment. The notice also tells you when the refund will be sent — usually within two to three weeks of the date on the notice, though it can take longer.
If you disagree with the adjustment, the notice includes instructions for requesting a reconsideration. You will usually have 30 days from the date on the notice to respond. Keep the notice and any supporting documents you have (receipts, statements, forms) if you plan to dispute it.
When your adjusted refund will arrive
After the IRS adjusts your return, they send the refund through the same method you chose when you filed. If you chose direct deposit, the money goes to the bank account you listed. If you chose a check, the IRS mails it to your address on file.
Direct deposit usually takes three to five business days after the IRS processes the adjustment. A check takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail, depending on where you live and how the postal service is running.
Where's My Refund will show you the expected arrival date once the adjustment is final. If your refund does not arrive by that date, wait three more business days before contacting the IRS, because mail and bank processing can be delayed.
What to do if your adjusted refund is smaller than expected
If the IRS adjusted your refund downward — meaning you owe money back or your refund is smaller — the notice will explain why. Common reasons include unreported income the IRS found on a 1099, a deduction that did not meet the requirements, or a credit you were not may be able to access for.
You have the right to dispute the adjustment if you believe the IRS made a mistake. The notice tells you how to request a reconsideration and what documents to send. You will usually need to provide proof that supports your original return — for example, receipts for a deduction or a corrected 1099 if the IRS received wrong information.
If you cannot pay the difference right away, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your options. The IRS offers short-term plans (120 days or less) and long-term installment agreements that let you pay over several months or years.
How to dispute an adjustment you disagree with
The notice the IRS sends you includes a section called "Your Rights" or "How to Respond." This section tells you exactly what to do if you disagree. Most of the time, you respond by mail, sending a letter that explains why you believe the adjustment is wrong and including copies of supporting documents.
Do not send originals — always send copies. Include a copy of the notice itself so the IRS knows which adjustment you are responding to. Mail everything to the address shown on the notice, not to a general IRS office.
Keep a copy of everything you send and consider mailing it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the IRS received it. The IRS will review your response and send you another notice with their decision, usually within 30 to 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my adjusted refund status online without calling?
Yes. Go to IRS.gov and use Where's My Refund. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your original return. The tool will show your current status and any adjustments the IRS has made. It updates once per day, usually overnight.
What if I never received the notice about my adjustment?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and tell them you did not receive a notice. They can resend it or read it to you over the phone. Keep calling until you have the notice in hand or have the information written down, because you need it to understand what changed and to dispute the adjustment if you disagree.
Does an adjusted refund affect my taxes next year?
No. An adjustment to this year's refund does not change how you file next year. However, if the adjustment was because you did not report income or claimed a deduction you were not may be able to access for, make sure you report correctly next year to avoid the same issue happening again.
How long do I have to dispute an adjustment?
You usually have 30 days from the date on the notice to respond. If you miss that important date, you may still be able to dispute it, but you should contact the IRS right away. Do not wait — the sooner you respond, the sooner the IRS can review your case.
What if the IRS adjusted my refund but I think they have the wrong information?
Send the IRS a letter explaining what information is wrong and include proof. For example, if they received a 1099 with the wrong amount, send a corrected 1099 from your employer or bank. Mail everything to the address on your adjustment notice within 30 days.