How to Check the Status of Your Federal Tax Refund in Texas

Federal Tax Refund in Texas

If you live in Texas and have already filed your federal income tax return, you may be waiting to receive your refund from the IRS.
Texas residents do not file a state return, so all refunds come directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
This guide explains how to check the status of your federal tax refund while living in Texas, what the different refund statuses mean, and how to resolve any delays for 2025.

Step 1: Understanding Your Federal Tax Refund

Your federal tax refund is the amount the IRS returns to you when you have overpaid taxes through withholding or estimated tax payments.
After filing Form 1040, the IRS verifies your return, confirms your payment and credit information, and issues any refund due.
Most electronic filings are processed faster than paper submissions, and direct deposit is the quickest refund method.

Step 2: Timeframe for Receiving Refunds

The IRS typically processes refunds within:

• 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit, or
• 6 to 8 weeks for paper-filed returns with mailed checks.

Processing times may vary if the IRS needs to verify additional information, such as wage data or dependent details.

Example:
A Houston resident who filed electronically on February 1, 2025, and chose direct deposit should expect their refund around February 22, 2025, assuming no errors or review flags.

Step 3: How to Check Your Refund Status

There are three ways to check the status of your refund if you live in Texas:

1. Online (Preferred Method)
   Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the official website. You will need:
   • Your Social Security Number or ITIN
   • Filing status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.)
   • Exact refund amount from your return
2. IRS2Go Mobile App
   Download the IRS mobile app, which provides real-time refund updates. It works on both Android and iOS devices.
3. Phone Assistance
   You can also call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. This automated line is available 24 hours a day for refund inquiries.

Step 4: Interpreting Refund Status Messages

The IRS system shows one of three refund stages:

1. Return Received: The IRS has received your return and is processing it.
2. Refund Approved: Your refund has been calculated and approved for release.
3. Refund Sent: The IRS has issued your refund either by direct deposit or mailed check.

If the IRS requires additional verification, your status may indicate “Under Review,” which is not unusual during filing season.

Step 5: Common Reasons for Refund Delays

Delays can occur for several reasons, including:

• Errors or mismatched personal information.
• Missing or incorrect bank details for direct deposit.
• Incomplete dependent or credit information.
• Returns flagged for identity verification or IRS review.
• Claiming credits such as the Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit that require extra verification.

If it has been more than 21 days since e-filing or eight weeks since mailing your return, contact the IRS directly for an update.

Step 6: How Texas Residents Receive Refunds

Since Texas has no state income tax, residents only receive federal refunds.
You can choose either:

• Direct Deposit: Fastest and most secure.
• Paper Check: Sent to your Texas mailing address on record.

Always verify that your bank details or mailing address are accurate before submitting your return to avoid refund reissues or delays.

Step 7: What to Do If You Don’t Receive Your Refund

If your refund status says “Refund Sent” but you have not received it:

1. Wait five days after the deposit date for direct deposits.
2. Wait three weeks after the mailing date for paper checks.
3. Contact your bank first, then the IRS if funds are still missing.
4. You can request a trace by filing Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund).

Conclusion

Checking your federal tax refund status in Texas is simple and can be done online, by phone, or through the IRS mobile app.
Because Texas has no state income tax, your refund comes only from the IRS, not from state agencies.
Monitoring your status regularly ensures you know exactly when to expect your refund and how to resolve any issues that may delay it.

Call to Action

For expert guidance on federal tax refunds, IRS correspondence, or resolving delayed payments, contact Anshul Goyal, CPA EA FCA, a U.S.-licensed Certified Public Accountant, Enrolled Agent authorized to practice before the IRS, and cross-border tax expert assisting American and Indian taxpayers in federal compliance and refund matters.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified CPA before contacting the IRS or submitting refund-related forms.

Top 5 FAQs

1. How long does it take to get a federal refund in Texas?
   About 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit and up to 8 weeks for mailed paper returns.
2. Can Texas residents check their refund status online?
   Yes. You can use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app.
3. Why is my refund delayed?
   Delays often occur due to incomplete information, errors, or additional IRS verification.
4. Does Texas issue state tax refunds?
   No. Texas does not have a state income tax, so only the IRS issues refunds.
5. What should I do if I haven’t received my refund after approval?
   Wait several days and, if not received, contact your bank or file IRS Form 3911 to trace your refund.

About Our CPA

Anshul Goyal, CPA EA FCA is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the United States, Enrolled Agent admitted to practice before the IRS, and a cross-border tax expert helping Texas residents and businesses with federal compliance, IRS audits, and refund resolutions.