IRS Refund Schedule for Late Filers—Get Your 2025 Payout Timeline Now!

If you filed a tax extension for the 2024 tax year, you’re not alone—and now you’re probably wondering when you’ll actually get that refund. Whether you’re expecting it by direct deposit or paper check, the IRS has a general refund timeline for those who filed late but within the extension window.

The original tax deadline was April 15, 2025, but those who submitted Form 4868 got a six-month extension, pushing their due date to October 15, 2025. It’s important to remember: the extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owed taxes, they were still due back in April to avoid interest or penalties.

So, what happens now that you’ve filed (or are about to)?

When Will You Get Your Refund?

The IRS begins processing extension returns as soon as they are submitted, especially after the October 15 deadline. Refunds usually begin showing up 10 to 21 days after the return is accepted, depending on the method of payment.

Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

• If your return is accepted by October 15, expect your direct deposit refund between October 25 and November 1, and your paper check between November 1 and 8.

• Filed around October 22? You’ll likely see your direct deposit by November 1 to 8, with checks arriving between November 8 and 15.

• **Later filings—like October 29 or early November—**will likely push refunds into mid- to late November, with paper checks arriving up to a week later than direct deposits.

Which Is Faster: Direct Deposit or Paper Check?

Direct deposit is by far the quickest method. Most electronic refunds hit bank accounts within 8 to 15 days of IRS acceptance.

Paper checks can take up to 10 additional business days, depending on your location and postal delivery times.

Tips to Get Your Refund Faster

Want to speed things up? Here’s what helps:

• File electronically rather than by mail

• Use direct deposit

• Double-check your information—mistakes can cause long delays

• Avoid claiming credits that require extra IRS review, like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit

Also, don’t forget you can track your refund status anytime using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app.

What Can Cause Delays?

Even if you file correctly, delays can still happen—especially if you:

• Submit incomplete or incorrect returns

• Trigger identity verification checks

• Claim certain refundable tax credits

• Owe past taxes or other federal debts

• File a paper return instead of e-filing

Final Word

If you’ve recently filed under the IRS extension deadline, your refund is on its way—but timing depends on how you filed and how you chose to receive your money.

Most direct deposit refunds will start arriving by late October, with paper checks following in early to mid-November. Keep an eye on your mailbox—or your bank account.

And remember: Just because you filed late doesn’t mean you’ll be left behind.