irs refund > CommonSense

An IRS refund is the money returned to you by the Internal Revenue Service if you overpaid your taxes during the year. Here are some key points to understand about IRS refunds:

- **How It Works:** 
  When you file your annual tax return, the IRS calculates your total tax liability. If the taxes you paid through withholding or estimated payments exceed this liability, you are entitled to a refund of the overpaid amount.

- **Checking Your Refund:** 
  You can track the status of your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on their website. You’ll need your Social Security number (or ITIN), your filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your tax return.

- **Refund Timeline:** 
  - **Electronic Filing:** Typically, if you file electronically and opt for direct deposit, refunds are issued within about 21 days. 
  - **Paper Filing:** If you file a paper return, it may take six to eight weeks or longer for the refund to be processed.

- **Potential Delays:** 
  Refunds can be delayed due to issues such as errors on your return, incomplete information, or if the IRS needs to verify additional details about your return.

For more detailed information and to check your refund status, visit the official IRS website at [IRS Refunds](https://www.irs.gov/refunds).