With just one month left until April 15, 2025, the IRS tax filing deadline, millions of Americans are rushing to complete their 2024 income tax returns. This tax season has been one of the most challenging in recent years, as ongoing IRS staffing reductions have raised concerns about delayed processing times and longer refund wait periods.
Despite these challenges, most taxpayers who have already filed their returns are receiving their refunds within the standard processing time of 10 to 21 days after the IRS accepts their e-filed return. However, taxpayers who file later in the season or have more complex financial situations may face longer processing times.
If you are wondering when to expect your tax refund, this guide will outline the key factors that affect IRS processing times, the latest refund schedule, and steps to ensure you receive your payment as quickly as possible.
How Long Will It Take to Get Your Tax Refund?
For most taxpayers, the IRS processes electronic tax returns (e-filed) within 10 to 21 days. Refunds issued via Direct Deposit tend to arrive much faster than those sent by paper check, which can take an additional 1-2 weeks to arrive by mail.
IRS Refund Timeline for 2025 Tax Season:
✔ If you e-file and request Direct Deposit, expect your refund within three weeks.
✔ If you file a paper return, processing can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer.
✔ If your return includes the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), your refund may be delayed until early March due to additional verification requirements.
IRS Refund Schedule for 2025
The following IRS refund schedule estimates when taxpayers can expect their refund based on the date their e-filed return is accepted.
| If IRS Accepts Your E-Filed Return By: | Estimated Direct Deposit Refund Date |
|---|---|
| Jan. 27, 2025 | Feb. 7 – Feb. 14 |
| Feb. 3, 2025 | Feb. 14 – Feb. 21 |
| Feb. 10, 2025 | Feb. 21 – Feb. 28 |
| Feb. 17, 2025 | Feb. 28 – Mar. 7 |
| Feb. 24, 2025 | Mar. 7 – Mar. 14 |
| Mar. 3, 2025 | Mar. 14 – Mar. 21 |
| Mar. 10, 2025 | Mar. 21 – Mar. 28 |
| Mar. 17, 2025 | Mar. 28 – Apr. 4 |
| Mar. 24, 2025 | Apr. 4 – Apr. 11 |
| Mar. 31, 2025 | Apr. 11 – Apr. 18 |
| Apr. 7, 2025 | Apr. 18 – Apr. 25 |
| Apr. 14, 2025 | Apr. 25 – May 2 |
Taxpayers filing during the peak season (late March through April 15) may experience slightly longer processing times.
Why Some Refunds Take Longer to Process
Several factors could delay your refund, including:
✔ Filing early but claiming the EITC or CTC – The IRS is required by law to hold refunds for these credits until early March for verification.
✔ Filing a paper return – Paper returns take significantly longer to process than e-filed returns.
✔ Errors or incomplete information on your return – Missing or incorrect details (such as incorrect Social Security numbers or income reporting discrepancies) can delay processing.
✔ Previous tax debts or federal obligations – If you owe money to the IRS, child support agencies, or other federal programs, your refund may be offset to cover those debts.
✔ Identity verification or suspected fraud – If your return is flagged for potential fraud, the IRS may request additional verification before issuing a refund.
How to Track Your Refund Status
The fastest way to check your refund status is to use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which updates daily.
Ways to check your refund status:
✔ Online: Visit IRS.gov/refunds
✔ Mobile App: Download the IRS2Go app
✔ By Phone: Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954
To check your refund status, you will need:
✔ Your Social Security number or ITIN
✔ Your filing status (Single, Married, etc.)
✔ The exact dollar amount of your expected refund
What If You Can’t File by April 15?
If you are unable to file your tax return by the April 15 deadline, you can request an extension using IRS Form 4868. This extension grants you until October 15, 2025, to file your return.
Important Notes About Extensions:
✔ An extension gives you more time to file, but NOT more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you must pay by April 15 to avoid penalties.
✔ Even if you expect a refund, you should still file as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.
✔ You can file an extension online through most tax software programs or via a tax professional.
Should You Hire a Tax Professional?
If you have complex finances (multiple income sources, investments, foreign assets, crypto, etc.), hiring a CPA or EA can help you avoid costly mistakes.
A tax professional can also help you maximize deductions and credits, ensuring you get the largest refund possible.
For those who are self-employed, own rental properties, or have significant itemized deductions, a tax professional can help reduce your tax liability.
Final Takeaways
✔ Most taxpayers who e-file will receive their refunds within 10 to 21 days.
✔ Refunds with EITC or CTC may be delayed until March for additional verification.
✔ Paper returns take significantly longer to process, often 4-6 weeks or more.
✔ Filing during peak tax season (late March to April 15) may result in longer refund wait times.
✔ If you need more time to file, request an extension, but pay any owed taxes by April 15 to avoid penalties.
For the latest IRS updates, visit IRS.gov.
With tax season in full swing, filing early, double-checking your return for errors, and using Direct Deposit are the best ways to ensure you receive your refund quickly and without delays.
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