As the 2025 tax season progresses, many taxpayers are eager to know when they can expect their refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Understanding the refund schedule and the factors influencing payment timelines can help in effective financial planning.
IRS Refund Schedule: When to Expect Your Tax Refund
Your IRS refund delivery time depends on the filing method and refund delivery option selected. Below is a general timeline for when taxpayers can expect their refund after the IRS accepts their return.
Estimated Refund Delivery Time
| Refund Delivery Time | Filing Method & Refund Delivery Option |
|---|---|
| Approximately 3 weeks | E-file with direct deposit |
| Approximately 4 weeks | E-file with a paper check |
| 4 to 8 weeks | Mailed return with direct deposit |
| 4 to 9 weeks | Mailed return with a paper check |
For the most up-to-date refund status, taxpayers can use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the official IRS website.
Estimated Refund Dates Based on Filing
Below is a table outlining the estimated dates when taxpayers might expect their refunds, based on the date their return was accepted by the IRS:
| IRS Acceptance Date | Estimated Direct Deposit Date | Estimated Paper Check Date |
|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2025 | February 17, 2025 | March 10, 2025 |
| February 3, 2025 | February 24, 2025 | March 17, 2025 |
| February 10, 2025 | March 3, 2025 | March 24, 2025 |
| February 17, 2025 | March 10, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
| February 24, 2025 | March 17, 2025 | April 7, 2025 |
| March 3, 2025 | March 24, 2025 | April 14, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 | March 31, 2025 | April 21, 2025 |
| March 17, 2025 | April 7, 2025 | April 28, 2025 |
| March 24, 2025 | April 14, 2025 | May 5, 2025 |
| March 31, 2025 | April 21, 2025 | May 12, 2025 |
| April 7, 2025 | April 28, 2025 | May 19, 2025 |
| April 14, 2025 | May 5, 2025 | May 26, 2025 |
| April 21, 2025 | May 12, 2025 | June 2, 2025 |
| April 28, 2025 | May 19, 2025 | June 9, 2025 |
| May 5, 2025 | May 26, 2025 | June 16, 2025 |
| May 12, 2025 | June 2, 2025 | June 23, 2025 |
Tax Refund May Be Delayed
The timing of your tax refund may be delayed due to several factors, including:
- Filing Date: Submitting your tax return during peak tax season (late March to mid-April) can slow down processing and result in delays.
- Claimed Credits: Refunds involving certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), may take longer to process, with payouts potentially postponed until March.
- Submission Method: E-filing generally speeds up processing by 1-5 weeks compared to mailing a paper return.
- Outstanding IRS Debt: If you owe back taxes, the IRS may use part or all of your refund to offset the balance, leading to potential delays.
Factors Influencing Refund Timing
Several elements can affect the timing of your tax refund:
- Filing Method: Electronic filings are processed faster than paper returns.
- Direct Deposit vs. Paper Check: Opting for direct deposit can expedite the receipt of your refund.
- Tax Credits: Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may experience delays due to additional verification processes.
- Errors or Incomplete Information: Mistakes or missing information can lead to processing delays.
Tips to Expedite Your Tax Refund
To facilitate a quicker refund process:
- File Electronically: E-filing reduces processing time compared to paper submissions.
- Choose Direct Deposit: This method allows the IRS to deposit your refund directly into your bank account, speeding up access to funds.
- Double-Check Your Return: Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid errors that could delay processing.
- Beware of Scams: Be cautious of phishing schemes and fraudulent communications claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS will not contact you via email or text to request personal information.
FAQs
When is the deadline to file taxes in 2025?
The federal tax filing deadline for the 2024 tax year is April 15, 2025.
How can I check the status of my tax refund?
You can use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool available on their website or the IRS2Go mobile app. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
What should I do if my refund is delayed?
If it’s been more than 21 days since you filed electronically (or six weeks for paper returns), consider contacting the IRS for an update. Delays can occur due to errors, incomplete information, or additional verification needs.
I’m still waiting on my federal refund. And I filed January 21st. Got my state.
Same here
Same here
I’m still waiting on my state refund my federal return was only 564 my state refund is only $94 I filed January 27th my federal was accepted that same day and sent out February 2nd my state refund was received and accepted January 28th but still has not been sent yet
I filed February 6 and still waiting
How come on wheres my refund that I keep checking..says my return was accepted and also processed..then gives me the actual date it will b deposited..that was yesterday…woke up this morning hoping and …notdda.. nothing in my account but a few $bucks..can someone please help I have to get a car so I can get a job..so I can move me and my son out of this mentally abusive environment..we both fear for our lives at times and we need to be set free…set free indeed 🙏🩷
I got an email from IRS and my tax preparer on January 21st saying mine was accepted, when I get on wheres my refund it does not have any information saying accepted or anything. Why are they not updating? My neighbor already received his refund and where’s my refund isn’t even showing that they received it yet. They are obviously not keeping it updated…….I’ve received my state which was accepted the same day as my federal. Can’t rely on the info on their website.
I have a date for my refund to be mail on March 4th 2025. My routing number was wrong. Do anyone have a estimate when it may arrive I. The mail?
Did you get it today
Waiting but nothing
Had this happen before, they’ll mail a paper check to you if it is rejected from the bank. It takes a while for paper checks to come usually. 😞 So sorry.
How did you figure out the reason as to why your return would be mailed instead. The same happened to me but I’m not sure why and still haven’t gotten it and have no idea how long it should take to get by mail in texas.
My refund was sent and accepted on January 28th and I was expecting a date but never received one and where’s my refund status is still on refund received 😪
I e-filed my return on February 10. It said it was accepted but I still haven’t received it. The IRS website is still saying it’s being processed but I don’t have a date yet. What’s going on?
Mines the same I filed February 6th and still waiting
I files January 30 and still have not gotten mine. IRS said mine was deposited into an account at cross river bank in New Jersey. I live in Texas and bank with us bank.
Love to get a nuwe card for my children and my 350what i can get
I filed my taxes the 7th of February and I still haven’t got it. Said the 28th and still nothing today.
I filed Feb 5 and was supposed to get it Feb 26th still waiting it’s in processing still how long does it take seriously my son got his back and we done ours the same time my daughter got hers back but not me ugh
I want to know if I can apply for child credit