Tax season is officially here, and if you’re expecting a refund, you’re probably wondering how soon you’ll see that money in your bank account. The IRS started accepting tax returns for the 2024 tax year on January 27, 2025, and millions of Americans are now filing in hopes of getting their refunds quickly.
So, when can you expect your refund? And how can you make sure there aren’t any unnecessary delays? Here’s everything you need to know.
Key Tax Deadlines for 2025
- April 15, 2025 – This is the official tax filing deadline. If you owe taxes, you need to pay by this date to avoid penalties.
- October 15, 2025 – This is the deadline if you request an extension. But remember, an extension only gives you extra time to file, not extra time to pay what you owe.
If you want your refund as quickly as possible, filing early is always the best move.
How Long Will It Take to Get My Refund?
The time it takes to receive your refund depends on how you file:
- E-file + Direct Deposit → Usually 10 to 21 days (fastest option)
- Paper Filing → Can take 4 to 8 weeks (much slower)
- Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)? → The IRS is legally required to hold these refunds until at least mid-February, so most taxpayers in this group won’t get their refund until March 3, 2025, or later.
Estimated IRS Refund Schedule for 2025
If you e-file and choose direct deposit, here’s when you might receive your refund based on when the IRS accepts your return:
| IRS Accepts Your Return | Estimated Refund Date (Direct Deposit) |
|---|---|
| January 27, 2025 | February 10 – February 17, 2025 |
| February 3, 2025 | February 17 – February 24, 2025 |
| February 10, 2025 | February 24 – March 3, 2025 |
| February 17, 2025 | March 3 – March 10, 2025 |
| February 24, 2025 | March 10 – March 17, 2025 |
These are just estimates. Some refunds may take longer, especially if there are issues with your return or the IRS selects it for review.
How to Get Your Tax Refund Faster
If you don’t want to be stuck waiting for your refund, here are some simple steps to help speed up the process:
✔ File Electronically – The IRS processes electronic returns much faster than paper ones. If you mail a paper return, expect a long wait.
✔ Choose Direct Deposit – If you request a paper check, it takes longer to arrive and can get lost or delayed in the mail.
✔ Double-Check Your Return – A small mistake, like a wrong Social Security number or incorrect bank info, can hold up your refund for weeks.
✔ Make Sure You Have All Your Tax Documents – Don’t file too early without having all your W-2s, 1099s, and other forms. If you forget something and need to file an amendment, your refund could be delayed by months.
✔ Monitor Your IRS Account – Setting up an online IRS account lets you check for any issues that might slow down your refund.
How to Track Your Refund
Once you’ve filed, you can track your refund status using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. You’ll need three things:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
- Your Filing Status (Single, Married, etc.)
- Your Exact Refund Amount
This tool updates once a day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times a day won’t give you new information.
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