FIRPTA Refund Not Received? How to Track Your Payment
Non-resident tax returns take longer to process than regular US returns. If your FIRPTA refund is taking more than six months after you filed, here is how to check on it and what to do if something is wrong.
Why Non-Resident Refunds Take Longer
Form 1040-NR is processed manually by the IRS International unit. There is no electronic filing option for non-residents claiming FIRPTA refunds. Manual processing takes 4 to 6 months under normal conditions, and longer during periods of high volume or staffing shortages. If your return included a W-7 ITIN application, add 7 to 11 weeks for ITIN processing before the refund clock even starts.
Where's My Refund? (Does Not Work for Non-Residents)
The standard IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool at irs.gov does not work for Form 1040-NR returns. Do not use it — it will either show no information or inaccurate information.
How to Actually Check Your Status
Call the IRS International Taxpayer Services line at 1-267-941-1000 (not toll-free). This number is for international callers and handles non-resident return inquiries. Have ready: your ITIN, your filing date, the exact refund amount from your 1040-NR, and your name and address as they appear on the return. Expect long hold times, especially January through April.
If Your Return Was Rejected or Needs More Information
The IRS mails correspondence to the address on your return. International mail can be slow. If the IRS sent you a letter requesting more information and you did not respond within the given timeframe, your return may have been put on hold. Check the address on your filed return is correct and watch for any letters from the IRS with a return address from Austin, Texas or Kansas City, Missouri.
When to Contact a Professional
If it has been more than eight months since you filed and the IRS has no record of receiving your return, or if they received it but show no progress after six months, it is time to engage a tax professional or Enrolled Agent to contact the IRS on your behalf through the Practitioner Priority Service line.
