The following is required to get your refund status and/or the status of your advance child tax credit:

1. Web Browser Encryption
2. Session Cookies Enabled
3. JavaScript Enabled

1) Web Browser Encryption

IRS requires SSL-3 Strong Encryption (at least 128 bits) using 3DES (triple-DES) algorithms.

How can I tell whether my browser supports 128-bit encryption?

To determine your browser's encryption level, follow the instructions below.

1. If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer
2. Select "Help" from the Internet Explorer menu bar.
3. Select "About Internet Explorer" from the drop-down menu.
4. The "About Internet Explorer" dialog box will provide information on your browser version and encryption level.

If you are using Netscape

1. Select "Help: About Netscape Navigator" or "Help: About Netscape or Communicator" from the menu bar.
2. From the "About" Web page, scroll down the left hand side.
   
   • If you have 128-bit US encryption you will find a statement that will appear similar to the following:
     "This version supports US security with RSA Public Key Cryptography, MD2, MD5, RC2-CBC, RC4, DES-CBC, DES-EDE3-CBC."
   • If you have the less stringent International encryption and need to upgrade your encryption level, you will find a statement that will apear similar to the following:
     "This version supports International security with RSA Public Key Cryptography, MD2, MD5, RC2-CBC, RC4."
     

If you are using AOL (America OnLine)

Locate the file Schannel.dll on your hard drive and verify its description:

1. To find a file or folder - Click the "Start" button, and then point to Find or Search. - Click "Files Or Folders."
2. In the "Named" box, type "Schannel.dll" then click "Find or Seach Now."
3. Then, select the Schannel.dll from the "Find" dialog box, right click your mouse, and select "properties."
4. Click on the "Version Tab".
5. From there you can see a description of the file.
   
   • If it says something like "PCT/SSL Security Provider US and Canada" then it is a 128-bit SSL encryption.
   • If it says something like "EXPORT" then it is a 40-bit SSL encryption and you will need to upgrade.

If you need further assistance, please contact your Internet service provider and ask for 128-bit encryption.

Upgrading Browser Software

The current versions of Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer (as well as most other browsers) provide support for strong encryption. If you are eligible to receive this software (see below), we strongly recommend that you upgrade your browser to provide the highest level of communications security generally available on the Web.

These browsers and upgrade packages contain encryption technology that is subject to the U.S. Export Administration Regulations and other US law. They may not be exported or re-exported to certain countries or to persons or entities prohibited from receiving US exports. For more information, contact the Bureau of Export Administration ("BXA"). More information is available at the BXA homepage .

Internet Explorer

Many recent versions of Internet Explorer (versions between 4.0 and 5.01, inclusive) can be upgraded for strong encryption by downloading the high-encryption pack from Microsoft, which involves a download of less than 250 KB for Windows (roughly 350 KB for Alpha). This download can be performed from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/recommended/128bit/default.asp. If you have a version of Internet Explorer older than version 4.0, or wish to download a newer one than you have, Explorer can be downloaded at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp. This download will take much longer than the high-encryption pack - As of early 2002, Microsoft suggests that it will amount to between 6 and 17 MB.

Netscape

Netscape browsers may be upgraded by downloading a recent version of the browser. Navigator and Communicator can be downloaded at http://www.netscape.com . You should be aware that this download is likely to be at least 10 MB, which will take a considerable time on a dial-up connection (version 6.2 is 27 MB, and the base installation of version 4.79 is 17 MB).

AOL

Go to the homepage of AOL and click the "Join Now" or "Upgrade" graphic found on the page. http://www.aol.com

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2) Session Cookies Enabled

In order to use this application, your browser must be configured to accept session cookies. Please ensure that support for session cookies is enabled in your browser. The session cookies used by this application should not be confused with persistent cookies. Session cookies exist only temporarily in the memory of the web browser and are destroyed as soon as the web browser is closed. The applications running on www.irs.gov depend on this type of cookie to function properly. The session cookies used on this site are not used to associate users of the IRS site with an actual person. If you have concerns about your privacy on the IRS web site, please view the IRS privacy and security policy . To enable your browser's session cookies, follow the instructions below.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 5

1. Go To Internet Options. This is under either View or Tools depending on version.
2. Click Security Tab
3. Click Custom Level
4. Scroll Down to Cookies
5. Allow cookies that are stored on your computer should be checked as enabled. If it is not, please check it.
6. Allow per-session cookies (not stored) should be checked as enabled. If it is not, please check it.
7. Click OK to Exit
   

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6

1. Click on Tools on the menu bar
2. Click on Internet Options
3. Click on the Privacy tab
4. Set slide bar to Medium or Click Default button
5. Click OK to Exit
   

If you are using Netscape

This section describes how to set preferences for cookies. To view the preference settings for Cookie Manager:

1. Open the Edit menu
2. Choose Preferences
3. Under the Privacy & Security category, click Cookies. (If no subcategories are visible, double-click the category to expand the list.)
4. Choose Enable cookies for the originating web site only
5. Click OK to Exit
   

If you are using AOL

1. Type keyword Preferences
2. Click Internet Properties
3. Click Security Tab
4. Click Custom Level
5. Scroll Down to Cookies
6. Allow cookies that are stored on your computer should be checked as enabled. If it is not, please check it.
7. Allow per-session cookies (not stored) should be checked as enabled. If it is not, please check it.
8. Click OK to Exit
   

If you need further assistance, please contact your Internet service provider for support to enable session cookies.

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3) JavaScript Enabled

JavaScript should be enabled in your browser in order to fully utilize all the features within the Web Application. JavaScripts are used to enhance usability and interactivity. To enable your browser's JavaScript, follow the instructions below.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer

1. Go To Internet Options. This is under either View or Tools depending on version.
2. Click Security Tab
3. Click Custom Level
4. Scroll Down to Scripting
5. Active Scripting and Scripting of Java Applets should be checked as enabled. If it is not, please check it.
6. Click OK to Exit
   

If you are using Netscape

1. Go To Edit
2. Click Preferences
3. Click Advanced
4. Be sure the box that says Enable JavaScript is checked. Click OK to Exit
   

If you are using AOL

1. Type keyword Preferences
2. Click Internet Properties
3. Click Security Tab
4. Click Custom Level
5. Scroll Down to Scripting
6. Active Scripting and Scripting of Java Applets should be checked as enabled. If it is not, please check it.
7. Click OK to Exit
   

If you need further assistance, please contact your Internet service provider for support to enable JavaScript.

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