The 2025 tax season has started, as e-filing is welcome starting January 27, 2025, IRS. The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025. Many taxpayers are eagerly waiting for their refunds, so understanding the IRS refund process is essential. The IRS typically issues most refunds within 21 days of receiving an electronic tax return, but a few factors can affect the timing.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- IRS Begins Accepting Returns: January 27, 2025
- Tax Filing Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Standard Refund Processing Time: Up to 21 days (for e-filed returns)
- Expected Delays for EITC/ACTC Filers: Mid-February – March 3, 2025
- Last Date to File for an Extension: April 15, 2025
How to Get Your Refund Faster
To ensure a quicker refund, follow these IRS tips:
- File Electronically: E-filing is processed faster than paper returns. IRS does urge e-file as electronically filed returns can take 4–6 weeks to process by mail.
- Choose Direct Deposit: This approach is the quickest and safest option for receiving your refund.
- Submit Early: The sooner the better you file, the sooner your refund will be processed The earlier you file the sooner your refund will be processed.
- Double-check Your Return: Prevent errors and lack of data which can cause a delay in a refund.
- Use the IRS Free File Program: If eligible, you can file for free at www.irs.gov/freefile.
Potential Delays
Your refund could be delayed for various reasons, including:
- Claiming EITC or ACTC: Refunds of those credits are not available before mid-February because of fraud prevention controls.
- Errors or Missing Information: Errors on an individual’s tax return can result in manual review leading to delays.
- Paper Filing: Paper returns can take 4–6 weeks to process.
- IRS Verification of Tax Credits: If the IRS has to verify any credits you reported, the refund may be slowed up.
Additional IRS Security Reviews
Checking Your Refund Status:
You can track your refund status using the IRS’s ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool. To use it, visit www.irs.gov/refunds and enter the following:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Filing Status (Single, Married, Head of Household, etc.)
- Exact refund amount claimed on your return
The tool will show one of these statuses:
- Return Received: The IRS has received and is processing your return.
- Refund Approved: Your refund has been processed and scheduled for payment.
- Refund Sent: Your refund has been sent.
The IRS suggests using the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool instead of phoning in, as phone representatives have limited visibility into refund tracking. When your refund is not showing up, you can request a trace by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
To find out more about how the IRS handles refunds, see the full IRS website.
