Our refund was bigger than expected. We didn't receive an explanation letter. Is it safe to cash the check?

You should get a letter from the IRS stating the changes made to your return which resulted in a bigger refund.  The letter can take 3 to 6 weeks to receive. If you want to make sure about the refund check, you can call the IRS for information.

The following will help you get to a real person with the IRS:

The IRS telephone number is 1-800-829-1040, and they are available from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday thru Friday. The best time to call is early in the morning.

- The first question the automated system will ask you is to choose your language.
- Once you’ve set your language, do NOT choose Option 1 (regarding refund info). Choose option 2 for “Personal Income Tax” instead.
- Next, press 1 for “form, tax history, or payment”.
- Next, press 3 “for all other questions.”
-Next, press 2 “for all other questions.”
- When the system asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, do NOT enter anything.
-After it asks twice, you will be prompted with another menu.
-Finally, press 2 for personal or individual tax questions. The system should then transfer you to an agent.