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.
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.
How to check your refund status
The IRS provides multiple ways to track your refund status:
- Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website.
- Download the IRS2Go app for mobile updates.
- Contact your tax preparer if you experience an unexpected delay.
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.