IRS tax refund schedule – Follow this chart to see when your money should arrive

IRS refund schedule: Key dates and what to expect in 2025.

The IRS began accepting income tax returns on January 27, 2025. Many Americans look forward to their refunds despite the often stressful process of filing taxes. A common question on taxpayers’ minds is: “When will I get my tax refund?”

Read more: IRS2Go: where to download and how the IRS app works to file taxes online and get refunds faster

Factors affecting your refund timeline

The average refund processing time for electronically filed (e-filed) returns is 10-21 days. However, your refund may take longer if you:

  • Have complex finances or multiple income sources.
  • Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), which requires additional verification.
  • File a paper return, which takes longer to process than electronic submissions.
  • Have outstanding debts owed to the federal government, which could lead to a reduced refund.

Read more: Americans will receive extra payments of up to $8,046 from the IRS – Must meet six requirements to get them

When to file your taxes

It is best to wait until you receive all required tax documents, such as W-2s, 1099 forms, and mortgage statements. If you experienced major life changes in the past year—such as getting married, buying a home, or investing in cryptocurrency—consider consulting a tax professional. Filing early can help you receive your refund sooner and reduce the risk of tax fraud.

Estimated 2025 refund timeline

For taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit, here is an estimated schedule for when refunds may arrive:

  • If the IRS accepts your return by January 27, expect a refund between February 7 and February 14.
  • If accepted by February 3, your refund may arrive between February 14 and February 21.
  • If accepted by February 10, expect it between February 21 and February 28.
  • If accepted by February 17, it may arrive between February 28 and March 7.
  • If accepted by February 24, it may be deposited between March 7 and March 14.
  • If accepted by March 3, expect it between March 14 and March 21.
  • If accepted by March 10, refunds may arrive between March 21 and March 28.
  • If accepted by March 17, expect it between March 28 and April 4.
  • If accepted by April 7, it may arrive between April 18 and April 25.
  • If accepted by April 14, expect your refund between April 25 and May 2.

Important notes:

  • Those claiming the EITC or CTC may experience delays, with refunds typically arriving in March.
  • Filing closer to the April 15 deadline can result in longer wait times due to high submission volumes.
  • If you choose to receive a paper check, expect an additional week or more for processing.

Read more: IRS gives a clue on what can delay paying your tax refund – You won’t like it as it’s tax relief for millions of…

How to check your refund status

The IRS provides multiple ways to track your refund status:

Should you hire a tax professional?

Hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA) can be beneficial if you want to:

  • Ensure accuracy and compliance with tax laws.
  • Maximize deductions and credits to increase your refund.
  • Receive a more precise estimate of your expected refund.

Many taxpayers find that hiring a professional helps them save money in the long run by reducing the risk of errors and potential penalties.

Can’t file by April 15? File an extension

If you cannot meet the April 15, 2025 deadline, you can file Form 4868 to request an automatic extension. This will grant you until October 15, 2025, to file your return. However, if you owe taxes, you must still pay by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

Final tips for a smooth tax season

  • E-file your return for faster processing.
  • Choose direct deposit to receive your refund more quickly.
  • Double-check your documents before submission to avoid mistakes.
  • Plan ahead to ensure you can pay any owed taxes on time.

By staying organized and filing your taxes promptly, you can expect a faster refund and avoid unnecessary delays in 2025.

Emem Ukpong
Emem Ukponghttps://stimulus-check.com/author/emem-uk/
Hello, I'm Emem Ukpong, a Content Writer at Stimulus Check. I have a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, and several professional certifications in Digital Marketing—where I piqued interest in content writing/marketing. My job as a writer isn't fueled by a love for writing, but rather, by my passion for solving problems and providing answers. With over two years of professional experience, I have worked with various companies to write articles, blog posts, social media content, and newsletters, across various niches. However, I specialize in writing and editing economic and social content. Currently, I write news articles and informational content for Stimulus Check. I collaborate with SEO specialists to ensure accurate information gets to the people looking for it in real-time. Outside of work, I love reading, as it relaxes and stimulates my mind. I also love to formulate skin care products—a fun way to channel my creativity and keep the scientist in me alive.

Must read

Related News