U.S. / Individual & Business – Federal tax: Online tools and resources available to you
The IRS develops tools and resources for your information. You may find the following tools and resources helpful.
You may check refund status online or by phone.
Online: Where’s My Refund?
- The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days from the date they process your return.
- If you e-file a current year return, you may check within 24 hours after the IRS confirms receipt.
- If you e-file a prior-year return, you may check 3–4 days after confirmation.
- If you paper file current or prior year returns, you may check 4 weeks after mailing.
By phone
You should only call about your refund if the Where’s My Refund? tool directs you to contact the IRS.
Note: If you have a non-refund related question, call only after:
- E-filed return: 3 weeks after filing
- Paper return: 6 weeks after mailing
- Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation): 12 weeks (e-file) or 14 weeks (paper)
2) IRS Individual and Business Online Account
IRS Individual Online Account
You can access information including:
- Tax records
- Payments (make and view)
- Payment plans
- Balances
- Profile management
- Authorizations you granted
IRS Business Tax Account
Tools and information for businesses and self-employed taxpayers, including:
- Business types (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, S corporation, LLC, etc.)
- Guidance to start, operate, close a business
- Preparation, filing, and paying taxes
With a business tax account, you can pay taxes, view records, get messages, and more.
3) New Schedule 1-A
Use Schedule 1-A to claim OBBBA tax deductions such as:
- No tax on tips
- No tax on overtime
- No tax on car loan interest
- Enhanced deduction for seniors
4) Enroll in a Trump Account
Parents, guardians, and other authorized individuals can establish a new type of individual retirement account for children. (Reference: trumpaccounts.gov)
5) Open a bank account (direct deposit)
The IRS encourages establishing a bank account to receive refunds via direct deposit. The IRS is phasing out paper refund checks due to the executive order Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account.
Taxpayers should visit IRS resources to understand what to do if they receive:
- Form 1099-K (Payment Card and Third Party Network Transactions): payments from credit cards, payment apps, and online marketplaces.
- Form 1099-DA (Digital Assets): digital asset proceeds from broker transactions.
Taxpayers must report all taxable income on their federal return, even if they don’t receive either form.
7) Be aware of tax scams and fraud
You can learn how to prevent, report, and recover from tax scams and tax- related identity theft on AimlonCPA.com.
8) Choose a tax preparer (IRS guidance)
If you need professional assistance, review IRS guidance on choosing a reputable preparer and avoiding unethical preparers.
Key points when selecting a tax preparer
- Be wary of preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than others can.
- Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of the refund or deposit refunds into their accounts.
- Ensure the preparer has a PTIN and includes it on the return.
- Use a reputable professional who signs the return and gives you a copy.
- Consider whether the person/firms will be available after filing.
- Never sign a blank tax form.
- Good preparers ask for records and ask questions.
- Check history (e.g., Better Business Bureau) and credentials.
Only attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters (audits, collections, appeals). Some other preparers have limited practice rights under the Annual Filing Season Program.
9) Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TACs)
Make IRS.gov your first stop. If you cannot resolve your issue online, you can make an appointment to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
10) IRS Free File and Fillable Forms
- IRS Free File program begins accepting returns starting Friday, Jan. 9 for qualified taxpayers.
- IRS Free File Fillable Forms begin Jan. 26, regardless of income.
11) MilTax
If you’re in the military or a veteran, you may consider MilTax (Department of Defense software) to prepare and e-file your return for free.
12) IRS-certified volunteers: VITA and TCE
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
Free tax help for:
- People who generally make $67,000 or less
- Persons with disabilities
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly)
Free help for taxpayers age 60+, specializing in retirement and pension questions.
What to bring to a VITA/TCE appointment
- For married filing jointly: both spouses present
- Photo ID (you and spouse)
- Social Security cards / ITIN documents (taxpayer, spouse, dependents)
- Birth dates (you, spouse, dependents)
- Last year’s tax return
- All Forms W-2 and 1099
- Form 1095-A (if applicable)
- Other income information
- Deduction/credit documentation
- Daycare provider info and tax ID
- Bank routing/account info for direct deposit
- For prior years: income transcripts from IRS (and state if applicable)
13) Get a tax transcript
You can access tax records online or by mail (business records online, by mail, or by phone).
Transcript types available at no charge include:
- Tax return transcript
- Tax account transcript
- Record of account transcript (current year + three prior years)
- Wage and income transcript
- Verification of non-filing letter
A transcript is not a photocopy of your return. To get a copy of an original return, submit Form 4506 (processing time and fee listed on the form).
Practical Next Steps (Individual and Business Taxpayers)
To prepare for the 2026 filing season (2025 returns), consider:
- Confirm which filing deadline applies to you (individual vs business type)
- If you expect to owe tax, plan for payment by the applicable deadline (even if you extend)
- Review whether any OBBBA provisions apply to your situation (tips, overtime, seniors, car loan interest, HSA changes)
- Create or update your IRS online account(s) to access records and payment options
- Track forms you receive (W-2, 1099s, 1099-K, 1099-DA) and report taxable income even if a form is not issued
If you would like support preparing and filing your 2025 U.S. tax returns during the 2026 filing season, you can contact AimlonCPA to schedule a tax consultation.
AimlonCPA is a French-American Certified Public Accounting Firm assisting individuals, families, and businesses with U.S. tax compliance, planning, and representation.
