Tax season has just begun, and millions of Americans have one thing on their mind: their tax refunds. Those who have already filed their returns or will be filing soon are already probably asking themselves: when will I get my irs tax refund schedule in 2025?
In this article, we will take you through the IRS tax refund schedule for 2025. We will also take you through the processing times taken for refunds and include some helpful tips on getting your money into your pocket as fast as you can.
How quickly will you see a tax refund?
The majority of refunds are issued by the IRS within 21 days of filing, given that the taxpayer files electronically and requests direct deposit. However, paper returns can take quite a bit longer, sometimes as long as 6 weeks or more.
Processing Time of IRS Refunds Based on Method of Filing
Important: If your return is claiming either the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), it may take longer as verification procedures may be required.
IRS Tax Refund Schedule-2025
The IRS does not officially publish any refund schedules, but tax professionals estimate refund dates based on historical data. Below is a predicted 2025 IRS refund schedule arriving on account of historical reckonings:
IRS Acceptance Date Direct Deposit Date Paper Check Date
| Jan 22 | Jan 26 Feb 9 Feb 16 |
| Jan 29 | Feb 2 Feb 16 Feb 23 |
| Feb 5 | Feb 9 Feb 23 Mar 1 |
| Feb 12 | Feb 16 Mar 1 Mar 8 |
| Feb 19 | Feb 23 Mar 8 Mar 15 |
| Feb 26 | Mar 1 Mar 15 Mar 22 |
| Mar 4 | Mar 8 Mar 22 Mar 29 |
| Mar 11 | Mar 15 Mar 29 Apr 5 |
| Mar 18 | Mar 22 Apr 5 Apr 12 |
| Mar 25 | Mar 29 Apr 12 Apr 19 |
| Apr 1 | Apr 5 Apr 19 Apr 26 |
| Apr 8 | Apr 12 Apr 26 May 3 |
| Apr 15 | Apr 19 May 3 May 10 |
If you file your refund request after the tax deadline of April 15, 2025, you may have to wait a little longer than the typical processing times.
How You Can Check the Status of Your Refund
The IRS offers two major ways for tracking your refund:
1. “Where’s My Refund?” Tool- Found on IRS.gov. To use it, you must provide:
• Your Social Security Number (SSN)
• Your filing status (i.e. Single, Married, etc.)
• Exact refund amount
2. IRS2Go Mobile App – Download on iOS/Android to check status of the refund.
When you can see the information about your refund:
• 24 hours after electronic filing your return
• 4 weeks from mailing a paper return.
Why Is the Refund Delayed?
There are some explanations regarding the delays of your refund, which are as follows:
1. EITC or ACTC claimed
The IRS is, by law, forbidden from sending refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) from the beginning of February to approximately mid-February.
2. Additional information is needed by the IRS
• Errors in your return
• Mismatched information (name, SSN, income, etc.)
• Identity verification issues
3. You opted to receive a paper check in place of direct deposit.
The printing and mailing process for paper checks is slower and may contribute additional delays of 2 to 4 weeks.
4. Your bank rejected the deposit.
If the account number you provided was wrong, the refund would be returned to the IRS, and then you would wait to get a check by mail.
Finding Ways to Expedite Your Refund
Hence, such suggestions will help you get your refund as quickly as possible.
✅ File Your Taxes Early – When the time to file returns gets reached, the IRS takes the returns it gets and analyzes them in order of filing date, so returning taxpayers will get money back sooner if they file as soon as they can.
✅ E-file Your Return – Paper returns can take much longer to process.
✅ Have Direct Deposit – This is simply the fastest way to get a refund.
✅ Take a Second Look at Your Return – A mistake in the tax return can lead to unnecessary delays.
Consult With a Tax Professional or Use Tax Software – If unsure about anything, tax software (like Turbo Tax) or a tax preparer can help.
FAQs Regarding IRS Refunds 2025
1. Will the IRS issue refunds much faster in 2025?
Generally, most tax refunds, however in some situations, are usually processed within 21 days; some cases, have delays due to confirmation.
2. How do I get my refund quickly?
E-filing plus direct deposit is the fastest.
3. What do I do if I don’t have my refund after 21 days?
Check out the “Where’s My Refund?” tool or else, feel free to call the IRS helpline at 1-800-829-1040.
4. Can I get my refund onto a prepaid debit card?
Yes. The IRS accepts all prepaid debit card refund requests.
5. What if my tax refund is lower than planned?
The IRS will take the following into consideration regarding adjustments:
• Child support past due
• Student loans
• Unpaid federal and state taxes
Conclusion
Tax refunds at the IRS in 2025 shouldn’t stress anyone. Filing early, e-filing, and choosing direct deposit will assure the money lands in your pocket ASAP.
In case you’re still waiting for a refund, the IRS refund tracker can show you where it currently is in the process. And keep in mind—there could be a delay if you’re claiming credits such as EITC or ACTC.
Questions about the tax refund? Just post them in the comments below!