Tax season is a busy time for many Americans. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your refund or planning for your tax bill, knowing how to track your refund and understand your tax bracket is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to track your federal and state tax refund using IRS tools
- What the refund status messages mean and typical processing times
- A detailed look at the 2024 and 2025 federal tax brackets, including key changes due to inflation
- Information on IRS Direct File and free tax filing options
Read on to get all the information you need—and be sure to bookmark the official links provided for real-time updates!
1. Tracking Your Tax Refund
After you file your tax return, many taxpayers ask, “Where’s my refund?” Fortunately, the IRS has made it easy to check your refund status online.
IRS Where’s My Refund Tool
The IRS Where’s My Refund? tool is the quickest way to check the status of your federal tax refund. Once you file electronically, you can check your refund status within 24 hours for current-year returns and about four days for prior-year returns if filed online. Paper returns typically take about four weeks for the status to update.
Important Link: IRS Where’s My Refund
IRS2Go Mobile App
For those who prefer checking on the go, the IRS2Go app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. The app provides access to the Where’s My Refund tool as well as other helpful IRS resources.
Learn More: Visit the IRS2Go App page (accessible from the IRS website).
What Refund Status Means
When you use these tools, you’ll see one of several status messages:
- Return Received: Your return has been received and is being processed.
- Refund Approved: Your refund has been approved, and the IRS is preparing to issue your refund.
- Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent to your bank (if using direct deposit) or by mail.
These statuses help you track your refund from submission until the money reaches your account.
2. Refund Processing Times and What to Expect
Typical Processing Times
- E-filed Returns: Most refunds for electronically filed returns are issued within 21 days. Direct deposit refunds may appear even faster.
- Paper Returns: Paper filings take significantly longer—usually around four weeks or more.
- Delays: Returns that require additional review, corrections, or involve certain credits (such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit) might see delays.
If you file your tax return and later notice that your refund is less than expected, it might be due to adjustments made by the IRS (for example, corrections related to credits or offsets for past-due taxes).
Checking State Refunds
In addition to the federal refund, many states offer online refund tracking tools. Check your state’s revenue department website for a similar “Where’s My Refund?” tool if you’re expecting a state refund.
Helpful Tip: Visit USA.gov Check Tax Status for links to state tax agencies
.
3. Understanding Federal Tax Brackets
Tax brackets determine how much tax you owe by applying different rates to portions of your taxable income. Because the U.S. has a progressive tax system, you never pay your highest rate on your entire income—only on the income that falls within that highest bracket.
What Are Tax Brackets?
The federal income tax system divides your taxable income into segments, known as brackets, each taxed at a specific rate. As your income increases, only the income above each threshold is taxed at the higher rate. This is why your effective tax rate is typically lower than your highest (marginal) tax rate.
2024 Tax Brackets Overview
For tax returns filed in 2025 (for income earned in 2024), here’s a simplified breakdown by filing status:
Single Filers:
- 10%: Up to $11,600
- 12%: $11,601 to $47,150
- 22%: $47,151 to $100,525
- 24%: $100,526 to $191,950
- 32%: $191,951 to $243,725
- 35%: $243,726 to $609,350
- 37%: Over $609,350
Married Filing Jointly:
- 10%: Up to $23,200
- 12%: $23,201 to $94,300
- 22%: $94,301 to $201,050
- 24%: $201,051 to $383,900
- 32%: $383,901 to $487,450
- 35%: $487,451 to $731,200
- 37%: Over $731,200
For more detailed tables and calculations, see the IRS official release on tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2024.
Important Link: IRS Tax Inflation Adjustments for 2024
2025 Tax Brackets Overview
For tax returns filed in 2026 (for income earned in 2025), the tax brackets are adjusted slightly upward due to inflation:
Single Filers:
- 10%: Up to $11,925
- 12%: $11,926 to $48,475
- 22%: $48,476 to $103,350
- 24%: $103,351 to $197,300
- 32%: $197,301 to $250,525
- 35%: $250,526 to $626,350
- 37%: Over $626,350
Married Filing Jointly:
- 10%: Up to $23,850
- 12%: $23,851 to $96,950
- 22%: $96,951 to $206,700
- 24%: $206,701 to $394,600
- 32%: $394,601 to $501,050
- 35%: $501,051 to $751,600
- 37%: Over $751,600
These changes generally result in slightly lower tax liabilities for the same level of income due to higher income thresholds.
Learn More: For a complete overview of 2025 tax brackets, check this Barron’s Advisor article on 2025 Tax Brackets
4. IRS Direct File and Free Tax Filing Options
Filing your taxes can be done entirely online, often for free, if your tax situation is simple.
IRS Direct File
The IRS Direct File program allows taxpayers to file their federal tax return directly on the IRS website for free. After a pilot phase last year in 12 states, Direct File is now available in 25 states, making it easier for those with simple returns to submit their taxes without relying on third-party software.
Check Eligibility and File Here: IRS Direct File
IRS Free File
If your adjusted gross income is $84,000 or less, you can use the IRS Free File program to prepare and file your taxes at no cost. This service is offered through a partnership between the IRS and several private tax software companies.
Explore Free File Options: IRS Free File
5. Filing Tips for Maximum Refunds and Lower Tax Liability
Whether you’re tracking your refund or planning your tax strategy, a few tips can help ensure you get the best outcome:
- File Early: The sooner you file, the sooner you can check your refund status—and avoid delays.
- Double-Check Your Information: Make sure your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount are correct when using the IRS tracking tools.
- Use Direct Deposit: This is the fastest way to receive your refund.
- Understand Your Tax Bracket: Knowing which bracket you’re in helps you plan your deductions and credits. Consider retirement contributions and health savings accounts to lower taxable income.
- Consult a Tax Professional: For complicated returns, getting expert advice can help maximize deductions and avoid errors.
6. Conclusion and Useful Resources
Understanding how to track your refund and knowing the details of the tax brackets for 2024 and 2025 can empower you during tax season. Whether you’re checking your refund status using the IRS Where’s My Refund tool or planning your next year’s filing with the IRS Direct File and Free File services, staying informed is the key to maximizing your tax outcomes.
Essential Links Recap
- IRS Where’s My Refund: https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund
- IRS2Go App: https://www.irs.gov/irshome/irs2go
- IRS Direct File: https://www.irs.gov/refunds/direct-file
- IRS Free File: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free
- IRS Tax Inflation Adjustments for 2024: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-provides-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2024
- 2025 Tax Brackets Overview (Barron’s): https://www.barrons.com/articles/tax-brackets-2025-c47c9c66
By taking advantage of these IRS tools and staying updated on tax bracket changes, you can navigate the tax season with confidence. Make sure to file early, verify your information, and use the free online resources available to simplify the process.
Stay informed, file correctly, and may your refund arrive swiftly!
