Amount Refunded to You

If you want to check the status of your refund, just use the IRS2Go app or go to IRS.gov/Refunds . See Refund Information, later. Information about your refund will generally be available within 24 hours after the IRS receives your e-filed return, or 4 weeks after you mail your paper return. If you filed Form 8379 with your return, wait 14 weeks (11 weeks if you filed electronically). Have your 2025 tax return handy so you can enter your social security number, your filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of your refund.

Where’s My Refund will provide a personalized refund date as soon as the IRS processes your tax return and approves your refund.

Claiming a refund for a deceased taxpayer.

If you are filing a joint return with your deceased spouse, you only need to file the tax return to claim the refund. If you are a court-appointed representative, file the return and include a copy of the certificate that shows your appointment. All other filers requesting the deceased taxpayer’s refund must file the return and attach Form 1310.

Effect of refund on benefits.

Any refund you receive can’t be counted as income when determining if you or anyone else is eligible for benefits or assistance, or how much you or anyone else can receive, under any federal program or under any state or local program financed in whole or in part with federal funds. These programs include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps). In addition, when determining eligibility, the refund can’t be counted as a resource for at least 12 months after you receive it. Check with your local benefit coordinator to find out if your refund will affect your benefits.

Have your refund deposited automatically to your checking or savings account, including an individual retirement arrangement (IRA). See the information about IRAs, later.

Starting in October 2025, the IRS will generally stop issuing paper checks for federal disbursements, including tax refunds, unless an exception applies. For more information, go IRS.gov/ModernPayments .

To directly deposit the amount shown on line 35a to your checking, savings, health savings, brokerage, or other similar account, including an IRA, at a bank or other financial institution (such as a mutual fund, brokerage firm, or credit union) in the United States:

Complete lines 35b through 35d (if you want your refund deposited to only one account), or

Check the box on line 35a and attach Form 8888 if you want to split the direct deposit of your refund into more than one account.

Account must be in your name.

Don’t request a deposit of your refund to an account that isn’t in your name, such as your tax return preparer’s account. Although you may owe your tax return preparer a fee for preparing your return, don’t have any part of your refund deposited into the preparer’s account to pay the fee.

The number of refunds that can be directly deposited to a single account or prepaid debit card is limited to three a year. Learn more at IRS.gov/DepositLimit .