If you filed your taxes this year and chose to have your fees taken out of your refund, you’re probably wondering: where’s my money? For millions of people who used tax professionals offering Refund Transfer services, that refund first passes through Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG) before hitting your bank account.
And yes—it can feel a little confusing. But don’t worry. We’ve broken it down in plain language so you can quickly figure out where your refund is and how to get it.
First, What Is Santa Barbara Tax Products Group?
Santa Barbara Tax Products Group (SBTPG) works with many popular tax filing services and professionals. If you chose to have your tax prep fees deducted from your refund, instead of paying upfront, your refund likely went through them.
Once the IRS approves your refund, it sends the money to SBTPG. From there, they take out any fees you agreed to—then send the rest to you through the payment method you picked: direct deposit, check, or a prepaid debit card.
Step 1: Make Sure the IRS Sent Your Refund
Before checking with Santa Barbara Bank, you’ll want to make sure the IRS has actually processed and released your refund. The easiest way to do that is by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website at irs.gov/refunds.
You’ll just need:
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Your Social Security Number
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Your filing status (like single, married filing jointly, etc.)
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The exact refund amount you were expecting
If the IRS says they’ve sent the money, then it’s time to check with SBTPG.
Step 2: Track Your Refund Through Santa Barbara Bank
Once the IRS has released your refund, SBTPG’s job begins. To find out if they’ve received it—and when they’ll send it your way—go to taxpayer.sbtpg.com.
Here’s what you’ll need to look it up:
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Your Social Security Number
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Your filing status
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Your expected refund amount
Once you log in, you’ll see your refund status, whether SBTPG has received it from the IRS, and when it’s been sent out to you.
Step 3: Know How You’ll Get Paid
When you filed, you probably picked one of these refund options:
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Direct Deposit: This is usually the fastest. Once SBTPG processes it, the money can show up in your bank account within 1–2 business days.
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Prepaid Visa® Card: Some tax companies offer a prepaid debit card. SBTPG can load your refund onto it.
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Cashier’s Check: In some cases, your tax preparer may print a check, or you might receive one by mail.
If you’re not sure which one you chose, your tax preparer or online tax software should have a record of it.
Why Is My Refund Taking So Long?
Delays can happen for a few reasons:
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The IRS took extra time reviewing your return
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Your refund was sent recently, and SBTPG hasn’t processed it yet
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There’s a mismatch or error in your information (wrong account number, for example)
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SBTPG is processing a high volume of refunds, especially during peak times
It’s a good idea to double-check all your info and give it a couple of days. If it’s been longer than expected and you still don’t see any updates, there are ways to get help.
What To Do If Something Feels Off
If you’re stuck in refund limbo and can’t figure out what’s going on, here’s what you can do:
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Call SBTPG Customer Support: Their contact information is on their website. Be ready with your Social Security number and refund info for verification.
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Talk to Your Tax Preparer: If you used a tax professional, they might be able to help track down your refund or explain what’s going on.
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Stay Patient but Proactive: It’s normal to be anxious—this is your money. Keep checking your IRS and SBTPG status daily.
Final Thoughts
Getting your tax refund should be a simple process, but when there’s a middleman involved—like Santa Barbara Tax Products Group—it can feel a little confusing. The good news? You’re not alone, and most refunds process without issue once they’re in the system.
If you stay on top of your tracking, check the right websites, and know what to expect, you’ll be that much closer to getting the money you’ve been waiting for.
Just remember: if the IRS has sent your refund, SBTPG is the next place to check. And if you follow the steps above, your 2025 refund should be in your hands soon.
