Trump layoffs could impact IRS, tax refunds, experts say
Tax experts are advising taxpayers to file early to avoid delays as the IRS faces potential layoffs from the Trump administration.
Did you get a mysterious deposit from TPG Products SBTPG LLC in your bank account? Confused about where it came from? Is it a tax scam?
Well, here’s what that means, and how it’s connected to your income tax refund.
What is TPG Products SBTPG LLC?
Founded in 1991, Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG) provides “tax-related financial products and services that provide value, are fairly priced and satisfy consumer need,” according to its website.
One of those services is a “Refund Transfer,” which allows people to pay for their tax preparation using their refund. The service is used by professionals as well as software packages like TurboTax, e-file.com, TaxSlayer and more.
Why did I get a deposit from SBTPG LLC? Is the payment a tax refund?
If you choose to pay for your tax preparation using your refund, the IRS will first send the money to SBTPG, according to TaxSlayer’s support page. From there, the company will process your refund, paying the tax preparer or service you used and depositing the remainder into your account.
Taxpayers who choose to have their refund direct deposited can track their refund on the SBTPG website once the IRS releases the money to the company. If the IRS is mailing a check directly to the taxpayer, SBTPG will not have any information, per TaxSlayer.
Where’s my refund?
Once you have filed your taxes, you can track the status of your refund using the Where’s My Refund site. According to the IRS, you can start checking the status within 24 hours after you electronically file this year’s return, 3–4 days after e-filing a return from past years and 4 weeks after filing a paper return.
Taxpayers who file online should receive their refunds in about a month, sometimes less, per the IRS.
When are taxes due in 2025?
The deadline to file an income tax return this year is April 15, as it is most years unless the date falls on a weekend or holiday.
If you need more time to file, you can request an extension by the April 15 deadline. That will give you until Oct. 15 to file without incurring any penalties. However, if you owe money to the IRS, that payment is expected by April 15, even if you have an extension.
What is Ohio’s tax filing deadline?
Mirroring federal taxes, state taxes in Ohio are also due April 15, with an extension filing deadline of October 15, 2025.
