A tax refund is a process where an individual or business receives money back from the government after they have paid more in taxes than they owe. This can happen if someone has overpaid their taxes throughout the year due to withholdings, estimated payments, and credits, among other reasons. The IRS will then review the return and calculate any refund that is owed. If a person is eligible for a refund, they will receive a check in the mail or have it directly deposited into their bank account.