You filed your taxes — now what?
Edited by: Brad Hanson, Senior Editor, Tax
The filing part is over (phew!). Here’s how to track your tax return, fix any errors and get a head start on prep for next year.
Image: After-FilingEditorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.
How can I track my tax return and refund?
Once you e-file, you can usually see IRS updates within 24 hours:
- Federal return: Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tracker to see when your return is accepted, processed and approved.
- State return: Every state with an individual income tax has an online tool to help taxpayers. Find the refund tracking page for your state.
Pro tip: If you opt for direct deposit of your tax refund, set up alerts from your bank so you know the moment it’s deposited.
33% of Gen Z filers expect to take out a loan to pay their tax bill.
Qualtrics survey on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma, January 2026
What do I do if I owe money on taxes?
If you end up owing taxes, start by paying whatever you can by the filing deadline — even a partial payment reduces the penalties and interest the IRS charges. If you can’t pay the full amount, you still have options to stay on track.
Image: Set up an IRS payment plan
The IRS offers payment plans that let you pay over time:
- Short-term plan (up to 180 days): No set-up fee, but interest and penalties continue until the balance is paid.
- Long-term installment agreement: Monthly payments until your balance is paid off. These plans charge a set-up fee, and interest and penalties accrue until the balance is fully paid.
You can apply for either option directly on the IRS website.
Image: Consider paying with a loan or credit card
If you qualify, using a personal loan or credit card may be another way to cover your tax bill. These options come with their own costs, so compare them carefully:
- Credit card: Convenient, but interest rates are often higher than IRS payment plans.
- Personal loan: Could offer a lower interest rate than a credit card, but repayment terms vary, and some lenders charge loan origination fees.
These options could make sense if the total interest you’d pay is lower than what the IRS would charge — or if you want to avoid IRS penalties altogether.
Whatever you choose, file on time
Even if you can’t pay your full balance, filing your return by the deadline reduces the “failure to file” penalty. Filing on time is always better than waiting.
52% of Gen Z list making a mistake on their tax return as one of their biggest concerns heading into the tax season.
Qualtrics survey on behalf of Intuit Credit Karma, January 2026
What do I do if my tax return contains an error?
Mistakes happen, even among the most prepared. Here’s what you can do …
If you notice the mistake:
It’s best to wait until the IRS finishes processing your original return before submitting a correction. The IRS may automatically correct certain minor errors. For bigger errors, such as missing income or the wrong filing status, you may have to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) once your original return is processed.
If the IRS flags an issue on your return:
1. Review and understand the IRS notice
If the IRS finds an issue, they’ll mail you a letter explaining what they spotted and what they changed. Minor errors, such as math mistakes, are often corrected automatically.
Good to know: The IRS will never call or text you about an error.
2. Follow the instructions in the notice
The letter will tell you exactly what to do next. You may be asked to confirm the change, send additional information or simply review the adjustment. Respond only if the IRS requests it.
3. Dispute the correction or amend the return
If you disagree with the proposed changes, use the instructions in the notice to dispute the correction. If the issue is complex or cannot be resolved through the notice, you may need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X). This is the form used to correct or update a previously filed return.
4. Track the status online
If you amend your return, you can use the IRS “Where’s My Amended Return?” tool to get updates after you file.
How to plan ahead for next tax year
Make next year’s taxes even easier by taking a couple of steps now.
Revisit your W-4: If your refund was large or you owed more than expected, adjusting your W-4 can help you fine-tune how much tax is withheld.
Image: upWithholding more
Image: downHelps reduce your tax bill next year — or eliminate it altogether
Image: downWithholding less
Image: upMore take-home pay but a potentially smaller tax refund
Stay organized: Save digital copies of this year’s forms and receipts — they’ll help with next year’s credits and deductions.
Got questions? We have answers.
The IRS recommends keeping tax records for at least three years. This includes W-2s, 1099s, receipts for deductions and your filed return.
If you realize you left out income after filing, you’ll need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X. It’s best to wait until the IRS finishes processing your original return before amending.
If you owed more than expected or received a much larger refund than you planned, updating your W-4 can help you fine-tune your withholding for next year. A quick way to check is to compare your tax bill or refund with how much tax was withheld from your paychecks — big gaps usually mean a W-4 adjustment could help.
Yes. Getting married, having a child, switching jobs, moving states or taking on freelance work can all affect your tax situation. When major changes happen, it’s a good idea to update your W-4 and note any documents you may need for your next tax return.