File your 2024 return by April 15, 2025, using IRS Free File, tax software, or a tax professional

You have until April 15, 2025, to file your 2024 tax return with the IRS. The method you choose depends on your income level and comfort with forms. If your 2024 income was below $79,000, you can use IRS Free File, which pairs you with tax software at no cost through the IRS website. If your income was higher or you prefer professional help, you can use commercial tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct) or hire a tax professional. Filing electronically is faster than mailing a paper return and gets your refund to you weeks sooner.

The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receipt if you file electronically and choose direct deposit. Paper returns take much longer — typically 6 to 8 weeks. Your refund amount depends on what you paid in taxes during 2024 (through withholding or estimated payments) versus what you actually owe based on your income, deductions, and credits.

Key Takeaways

  • The important date to file your 2024 return is April 15, 2025; filing electronically with direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund.
  • IRS Free File is available to you at no cost if your 2024 income was under $79,000, and you can access it through IRS.gov.
  • You will need your W-2 forms (from employers), 1099 forms (from banks, investment firms, or other income sources), and records of deductions or credits you plan to claim.
  • The IRS typically processes electronic returns within 21 days, but refunds can take longer if the return requires review or if you chose a payment method other than direct deposit.
  • You can track your refund status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov once your return has been received and processed.

Gather your income documents before you start

Before you open any tax software or sit down with a tax professional, collect the documents that show what you earned in 2024. Your employer sends you a W-2 form by January 31, 2025, which reports your wages and taxes withheld. If you had income from sources other than an employer — interest from a bank account, dividends, self-employment income, rental income, or gig work — you will receive a 1099 form specific to that income type. The most common are 1099-INT (interest), 1099-DIV (dividends), 1099-NEC (self-employment), and 1099-K (payment apps like Venmo or PayPal if you received over $5,000).

Gather these forms in one place. If you are missing a form by mid-February, contact the issuer directly — they are required to send them by January 31, but delays happen. You can also contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request a transcript of your income, though this takes longer than waiting for the original forms.

If you plan to claim deductions or credits, have those records ready too. Keep receipts for charitable donations, medical expenses, student loan interest statements, and childcare invoices. If you own a home, have your mortgage interest statement (Form 1098) and property tax records. These documents do not go into your return, but you need them to prove your claims if the IRS asks later.

Choose your filing method: Free File, software, or a tax professional

IRS Free File is the fastest and cheapest option if you may have access to. Go to IRS.gov, find the Free File section, and choose from a list of IRS-approved tax software providers. Each provider has different income limits and features, but all are free to use for federal returns. You create an account, answer questions about your income and life situation, and the software walks you through the rest. Most people finish in 30 minutes to an hour. You can file your state return through the same software, though some states charge a fee.

If your income exceeds the Free File threshold or you want more features, commercial tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others) costs between $60 and $200 depending on how complex your return is. These programs use the same question-and-answer format as Free File and handle most situations — W-2 income, rental income, self-employment, investment income, and common deductions. They also let you file both federal and state returns.

A tax professional — a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax preparer — is worth the cost if your situation is complicated: you own a business, have significant investment income, went through a major life change (divorce, inheritance, home sale), or you are unsure what deductions you can claim. Professionals typically charge $150 to $500 or more depending on complexity. They can also represent you if the IRS has questions about your return later.

File electronically and choose direct deposit for the fastest refund

Whether you use Free File, commercial software, or a tax professional, file your return electronically rather than mailing a paper copy. Electronic filing is faster, more accurate (the software catches math errors), and the IRS processes it in about 21 days. Paper returns take 6 to 8 weeks and are more prone to errors that trigger delays.

When you file, you will be asked how you want to receive your refund. Choose direct deposit — the IRS transfers your refund directly to your bank account. You need your routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or by logging into your bank's website. Direct deposit is free and usually arrives within 3 to 5 business days after the IRS approves your return. If you choose a paper check instead, add another 2 to 3 weeks to the timeline.

Some tax software offers a feature called a "refund advance" or "refund anticipation loan," which gives you money before the IRS processes your return. These loans charge fees (usually $50 to $200) and are rarely worth it — you are paying to receive your own money a few days early. Skip this option.

Track your refund status using the IRS tool

Once you have filed, you can check on your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. It will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, and when your refund is expected to arrive.

The IRS typically shows a status update within 24 hours of receiving your electronic return. If you do not see your return in the system after 48 hours, double-check that you filed successfully — some software shows a confirmation screen but does not actually submit the return to the IRS. Contact the software provider or your tax professional to confirm.

If the tool says your return is still being processed after 21 days, it may have been flagged for review. This can happen if there is a discrepancy between your return and information the IRS already has (like a 1099 form), if you claimed a large credit, or if the software detected an error. The IRS will contact you by mail if they need more information. Do not call the IRS unless your return has been processing for more than 60 days.

What to do if your refund is delayed or does not arrive

If your refund does not arrive within the expected timeframe, first check the Where's My Refund tool again. If the tool shows your refund was issued but you have not received it after 5 business days, contact your bank to confirm the deposit was not rejected or sent to the wrong account. Banks sometimes flag IRS deposits as suspicious and hold them; your bank can release it once you confirm it is legitimate.

If the tool shows your return is still processing after 60 days, or if you see an error message, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is delayed, whether it needs more information from you, or whether there is a problem with your bank account information.

If you filed through a tax professional and your refund is delayed, contact them first — they may have access to more detailed information about your return's status and can follow up with the IRS on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have all my documents by April 15?

You can file your return without every document if you have enough information to report your income and calculate your tax. However, if you are missing a W-2 or 1099 that reports significant income, the IRS will eventually contact you. It is better to file on time with what you have and amend your return later if needed than to miss the important date. You can request an automatic extension to October 15, 2025, but this only delays filing — you still owe any taxes due by April 15.

Can I file my 2024 return before I receive all my 1099 forms?

Yes, if you know the amounts. Many people receive 1099 forms in late January or early February. If you have not received one by mid-February, contact the issuer. You can file your return using the amounts you expect, but if the actual 1099 shows a different amount, you may need to amend your return. The IRS will cross-check your return against the 1099 forms they receive, so discrepancies will be caught.

How long does it take to get a refund if I owe taxes instead?

If you owe taxes, you do not receive a refund. You must pay the amount due by April 15, 2025. You can pay online through IRS.gov, by phone, by mail, or through your tax software. If you cannot pay in full, the IRS offers payment plans that let you pay over time, though interest and penalties explore.

What if the IRS says my refund was issued but I never got it?

First, check your bank account and spam folder for deposit notifications. If you chose direct deposit, confirm with your bank that the deposit was received and not held or rejected. If your bank confirms it never arrived, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your bank account information. The IRS can issue a replacement check or reissue the direct deposit.

Do I need to file a 2024 return if I did not earn much income?

It depends on your income level and filing status. The IRS sets a threshold below which you do not have to file. For 2024, if you are single and earned less than $14,600, you generally do not have to file. However, if you had taxes withheld from your paycheck or you are claiming a refundable credit like the Earned Income Tax Credit, you should file to recover that money. Use the IRS filing requirements tool on IRS.gov to confirm whether you need to file.