As the Tax Season 2025 begins, tax refund also becomes a commonly used term while filing the taxes with the IRS. A tax refund is the money that the IRS returns to the taxpayers if they’ve overpaid the taxes. Filing your tax return is an important step in meeting tax obligations and potentially earning a tax refund if overpaid. Tracking your tax refund status is simple, and the IRS provides a few useful tools to keep you updated. Below is the step-by-step guide on how the tax refund process works, and what support system does the IRS provide in tax refund?
- File your Tax Return
Filing your tax return with the IRS is the initial step to getting your tax refund. To file tax returns, collect all necessary documents including W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions, etc. Complete the tax return using Form 1040 or other applicable forms.
E-file: This is the fastest way of tax filing using electronic tax preparation software (ex: Turbo Tax, H&R Block, etc.) or directly through the IRS e-file system.
Paper file: If you choose, you can send a paper return to the IRS.
Mistakes in tax filing can result in delays or even tax audits. If you encounter discrepancies, our tax professionals can review your return to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- IRS Processes Your Tax Return
Once you have filed your tax return, the IRS will process your tax return by checking the following.
Review for accuracy: In this step, the IRS will check your information such as social security numbers, income, deductions, and credits are correct.
Calculation of Refund: the amount of tax refund you’re entitled to will be calculated, based on total tax payments (via withholding or estimated payments) and the taxes owed.
- IRS Issues Your Refund
Here is how your refund will be issued by the IRS:
Direct Deposit: This is the fastest option for tax refund, if you choose direct deposit on your tax return, the IRS will send your refund directly to your bank account. If you e-filed your return and there are no issues, by direct deposit you will get your refund in 21 days or less.
Paper Check: if you’ve opted for the paper check, the IRS will mail your refund to your address. Paper check refunds will typically take about 6 to 8 weeks to process and mail.
- Track Your Refund
The IRS offers simple and reliable tools, that enable you to check the status of your refund after filing. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool is the simplest and most reliable way to check your return status online. You can get it through the IRS website or their mobile app. On mobile, you can use the IRS official app “IRS2Go” to track your refund status.
Steps to Use the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool:
Step 1: Open your web browser and visit the IRS official website.
Step 2: On the “Where’s My Refund” page, enter the required information.
- Social Security Number (SSN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Choose your filing status from the list (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
- Enter the exact refund amount including any cents, as shown on your tax return
Step 3: Click on the “Submit” button after entering your information to access the refund status
Step 4: View your refund status.
The tool will display one of the following statuses:
- Return received – the IRS has received and it is processing your tax return
- Refund approved – your tax return is approved by the IRS, and it will be sent soon
- Refund sent – your refund has been issued either by direct deposit or paper check
Step 5: Check for daily updates.
Once a day the IRS will update the “Where is My Refund’ tool, usually overnight. So, for the most up-to-date information, check the IRS website once a day.
How to use IRS2Go?
Step 1: Download the App from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS).
Step 2: After downloading, open the app, and select the “Where is My Refund’ option.
Step 3: Enter the Required Information (SSN, ITIN, etc.)
Step 4: Check Your Refund Status
- Call the IRS (if needed)
If you can’t access the IRS website or mobile app, or if you have specific questions regarding your refund status, you can call the IRS refund hotline: 1-800-829-1040.
While the IRS provides tools to track your tax refund, discrepancies can sometimes arise. If you face issues with your tax refund—such as refund delays, tax audits, or incorrect refund amounts—our expert tax audit representation team is here to help.
IRS AUDIT GROUP
IRS Audit Group consists of tax professionals, CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys. We are located in Los Angeles, California and our primary area of expertise is IRS Tax Audit Representation. However, our certified professionals cooperate and work with all IRS offices nationwide. Please get in touch with us for more information.
https://irsauditgroup.com/contact/
Telephone Number: (310) 498-7508