File your 2024 return by April 15, 2025, to start the refund process
You file your 2024 tax return through the IRS using either tax software, a tax professional, or paper forms mailed to the IRS. The filing deadline is April 15, 2025. Your refund does not begin processing until the IRS receives and accepts your return — so the sooner you file, the sooner you can expect money back.
The IRS has three main ways to receive your return: electronic filing (e-file), which is fastest; a tax professional who files on your behalf; or paper forms you mail yourself. Most people who get refunds use e-file because the IRS processes electronic returns in 21 days or less, while paper returns take 6 to 8 weeks.
You will need your 2024 income documents (W-2s from employers, 1099s for self-employment or investment income), receipts for deductions if you itemize, and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are filing jointly, you need both spouses' information and both signatures.
Key Takeaways
- E-filing your return gets you a refund in 21 days or less; mailing a paper return takes 6 to 8 weeks.
- You can file for free using IRS Free File if your 2024 income was under $79,000, or pay $120 to $300 for commercial tax software.
- The IRS will not begin processing your refund until it receives your complete return with all required documents and signatures.
- You can track your refund status starting 24 hours after you e-file using the IRS Where's My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app.
- Direct deposit to your bank account is the fastest refund delivery method; a check by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Free filing options if your income is below $79,000
The IRS Free File program lets you file your 2024 return at no cost if your adjusted gross income (AGI) was $79,000 or less. You use IRS-approved tax software partners — including TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others — through the IRS Free File website. You do not pay the software company, and you do not pay the IRS.
To use Free File, go to irs.gov/freefile, select the software that matches your situation (simple return, self-employed, itemizing deductions), and follow the prompts. The software walks you through entering your income, deductions, and credits, then files electronically to the IRS. Most people complete a straightforward return in 30 to 60 minutes.
If your income was above $79,000 in 2024, you can still file electronically using commercial software for $120 to $300, or you can file a paper return by mail for the cost of postage. A tax professional (CPA or enrolled agent) will file for you for $150 to $500 depending on return complexity.
What documents you need before you start
Gather all income documents before you open tax software or contact a preparer. For W-2 income, you need the W-2 form from each employer — your employer must send this by January 31. For self-employment income, you need records of all income and business expenses. For investment income, you need 1099-INT (interest), 1099-DIV (dividends), or 1099-B (stock sales).
If you paid student loan interest, have mortgage interest statements, made charitable donations, or paid state and local taxes, gather those documents too — they may reduce your taxable income. If you have dependents, you need their Social Security numbers and birth dates. If you are filing jointly, both spouses need their Social Security numbers and signatures.
Keep receipts and records for at least three years in case the IRS asks questions about your return. You do not send receipts with your return, but you must have them if you are audited.
Step-by-step filing through IRS Free File or tax software
Once you have your documents, open the tax software and enter your personal information: name, address, Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.), and spouse information if applicable. The software will ask whether you want to claim the standard deduction or itemize deductions. Most people use the standard deduction because it is simpler and often results in a larger deduction.
Next, enter your income. The software will prompt you for W-2 wages, self-employment income, interest, dividends, and other income sources. As you enter each income type, the software calculates your tax. Then you enter any deductions or credits you are may have access to to — child tax credits, education credits, earned income tax credits, or itemized deductions if that benefits you more than the standard deduction.
Review the summary the software provides. Check that all income is entered, all dependents are listed, and the refund amount or tax owed is what you expect. Then authorize the software to file electronically. The IRS will send you a confirmation email within minutes, and you can begin tracking your refund 24 hours later.
Filing by mail if you prefer paper forms
If you file a paper return, you must mail it to the IRS address for your state — this varies by location. Go to irs.gov and search "where to file paper returns" to find the correct mailing address. Print Form 1040 (the main tax form), any schedules you need (Schedule C for self-employment, Schedule A for itemized deductions, etc.), and sign and date the return.
Mail your return in an envelope with your name and address on the outside. Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof the IRS received it. The postmark date counts as your filing date, so mail it by April 15, 2025. The IRS will process paper returns in 6 to 8 weeks and send your refund by check or direct deposit, depending on what you requested on your return.
Paper filing is slower and carries a small risk that the IRS does not receive your envelope, so e-filing is generally safer. However, if you do not have internet access or prefer paper, this option is available.
Tracking your refund after you file
If you e-filed, you can track your refund starting 24 hours after the IRS receives your return. Use the Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov or download the IRS2Go mobile app. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount shown on your return. The tool will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, and when your refund will be issued.
The IRS updates refund status once per day, usually overnight. If you check multiple times in one day, you will see the same status. The tool shows three stages: return received, return approved, and refund issued. Once the refund is issued, it takes 1 to 5 business days to reach your bank account (direct deposit) or 7 to 10 business days if you requested a check by mail.
If you filed a paper return, you cannot track it online. The IRS will mail you a notice when your return is received and processed. This takes 6 to 8 weeks, so there is a longer wait before you know the status.
Choosing direct deposit or a check for your refund
When you file your return, you choose how the IRS sends your refund: direct deposit to your bank account or a paper check by mail. Direct deposit is faster — the IRS transfers money to your account in 1 to 5 business days after your refund is approved. A check takes 7 to 10 business days after approval, plus mail delivery time.
To use direct deposit, provide your bank account number and routing number when you file. You can find your routing number on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank. Direct deposit is free and the most reliable method because there is no risk of a check being lost in the mail.
If you request a check, the IRS mails it to the address on your return. A check can be lost or delayed in the mail, so if you do not receive it within 10 business days of the approval date, contact the IRS using the Where's My Refund tool to request a replacement.
What to do if your refund is delayed or missing
If the Where's My Refund tool shows your refund was issued but you have not received it after 5 business days (direct deposit) or 10 business days (check), contact the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 (the main IRS number) and have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can confirm whether the refund was sent and, if a check was mailed, request a replacement.
If the Where's My Refund tool shows your return is still being processed after 21 days (for e-filed returns) or 8 weeks (for paper returns), your return may need additional review. The IRS will mail you a notice if they need more information or have questions about your return. Do not ignore this notice — respond within the deadline given or your refund will be delayed further.
If you made an error on your return after filing, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. This takes an additional 16 weeks to process, so file it only if you made a significant mistake that affects your refund amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my 2024 return before I receive my W-2 from my employer?
No — you need the W-2 to file accurately. Employers must send W-2s by January 31, 2025. If you do not receive yours by early February, contact your employer's payroll department. If your employer does not send it, you can file Form 4852 (a substitute W-2) with the IRS, but this delays processing.
What happens if I file my return and then realize I made a mistake?
If you made a mistake that affects your refund, file Form 1040-X (amended return) as soon as you notice it. Mail it to the same IRS address where you filed your original return. The IRS will reprocess your return and send a corrected refund if you are owed more money, or bill you if you owe more tax.
Do I have to file electronically, or can I always file by mail?
You can file by mail, but e-filing is faster and more reliable. Paper returns take 6 to 8 weeks to process, while e-filed returns take 21 days or less. If you do not have internet access, paper filing is your option, but consider using a library computer or asking a tax professional to e-file for you.
If I owe taxes instead of getting a refund, do I still have to file by April 15?
Yes — the filing deadline is April 15, 2025, whether you expect a refund or owe taxes. If you owe, you can pay when you file using the software, or set up a payment plan with the IRS if you cannot pay in full. Paying by the deadline avoids penalties and interest.
Can I file my 2024 return if I did not file my 2023 return?
Yes, you can file your 2024 return even if you missed 2023. However, if you are owed a refund for 2023, you should file that return too — the IRS will not send a refund for a year you did not file. You have three years from the original deadline to file and claim a refund before it is forfeited.