IRS Form 13691 English & Spanish – Are you waiting for your federal tax refund and need clear instructions in English or Spanish? IRS Form 13691 (EN-SP), officially titled “Where is My Refund? (English/Spanish)”, is the IRS’s free bilingual flyer that makes tracking your refund simple and accessible for millions of taxpayers.
Whether you e-filed or mailed a paper return, this 2-page handout explains exactly when and how to check your refund status using the official IRS tools. Below is everything you need to know about IRS Form 13691, including the direct download link, what the form covers, updated 2026 refund timelines, and step-by-step instructions.
What Is IRS Form 13691 (EN-SP)?
Form 13691 (Rev. 8-2015) is an official Internal Revenue Service public information flyer designed for individual taxpayers expecting a refund.
- Title: Where is My Refund? (English/Spanish)
- Format: 2-page bilingual PDF (side-by-side English and Spanish text)
- Catalog Number: 40140V
- Purpose: Quick-reference guide that tells you when refund information becomes available and how to check it online, by phone, or via the IRS2Go app.
It is not a tax form you file or mail back to the IRS — it is purely informational and especially helpful for Spanish-speaking households, community organizations, tax preparers, and VITA/TCE volunteers.
Official Download Link (100% free and secure):
Download IRS Form 13691 (EN-SP) PDF
What Does Form 13691 Explain?
The flyer focuses on the three essential pieces of information you need to track your refund:
- Your primary Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your filing status exactly as shown on your return (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)
- The exact refund amount (whole dollars only — no cents)
It clearly states when you can first check your status:
- 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed current-year return
- 4 weeks after you mail a paper return
The form also directs you to the official IRS website (www.irs.gov) and the automated refund hotline (800-829-1954). Many versions include guidance on what to do if the “Where’s My Refund?” tool shows your refund was sent but you haven’t received it (pointing toward a refund trace request).
Note: A very similar bilingual resource is IRS Publication 5063 (EN-SP) “Where’s My Refund?” (Rev. 12-2020), which updates the same information and is also available on IRS.gov.
How to Check Your Refund Status in 2026 (Step-by-Step)?
Use the information from Form 13691 with the current official tools:
1. Online (Fastest & Recommended)
- Go to: https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund
- Enter your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and exact refund amount.
- Status updates once per day, usually overnight. The tool is briefly unavailable 4–5 a.m. Eastern time during updates.
Possible Status Messages
- Return Received – IRS has your return and is processing it.
- Refund Approved – IRS has approved your refund and will issue it by the date shown.
- Refund Sent – Your refund has been sent to your bank (direct deposit) or by mail (paper check).
2. IRS2Go Mobile App (Free)
Download the official IRS2Go app (iOS or Android) and use the same three pieces of information.
3. Phone (Automated Refund Hotline)
Call 800-829-1954 and follow the prompts. Have your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and refund amount ready.
Current IRS Refund Timelines (2026)
| Filing Method | When Status First Appears | Typical Refund Issuance Time |
|---|---|---|
| E-file (current-year return) | 24 hours after acceptance | 21 days or less |
| E-file (prior-year return) | 3–4 days after acceptance | Varies |
| Paper return | 4 weeks after IRS receives it | 6–8 weeks or longer |
More than 9 out of 10 refunds are issued within 21 days when you e-file with direct deposit and there are no issues.
What If Your Refund Is Delayed or Missing?
Form 13691 and the IRS tools guide you here too. If the status says “Refund Sent” but you haven’t received it:
- Direct deposit usually appears in 5 business days.
- Paper check can take several weeks.
After the waiting period, you may need Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to request a trace. The IRS will reissue the refund if it was lost, stolen, or never cashed.
Always start with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool before calling the IRS.
Frequently Asked Questions About IRS Form 13691
- Do I need to submit Form 13691 with my tax return?
No. It is only a reference guide. - Is there a newer version of Form 13691?
The current listed version is Rev. 8-2015. The IRS continues to make the PDF available because the core information remains helpful. For the absolute latest wording, see Publication 5063 (EN-SP). - Can I use Form 13691 for an amended return?
No — use the separate “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool on IRS.gov. - Is the form safe to download?
Yes — always download directly from IRS.gov.
Why Form 13691 Is Still Useful in 2026?
Even with modern online tools and the IRS2Go app, the bilingual flyer remains one of the IRS’s most practical taxpayer-education resources. It removes language barriers and gives clear, printable instructions that community groups, tax clinics, and families can share.
Ready to track your refund?
- Download IRS Form 13691 (EN-SP) → Click here
- Gather your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and exact refund amount.
- Check status at IRS.gov/wheres-my-refund
Need help in Spanish? Visit IRS.gov/es or call the same hotline — the automated system supports Spanish.
Stay safe: Always use official IRS websites and apps. Never share your SSN via email or unsecured links.
Have questions about your specific refund?
Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool first — it has the most up-to-date personalized information available 24/7.
Bookmark this page or save the PDF for quick reference every tax season!
All information sourced directly from IRS.gov (current as of February 2026). For the latest updates, always verify on the official IRS website.