Tax Refund Schedule 2025 - When Should I Expect My Tax Refund in 2025?

The IRS generally starts accepting tax returns in late January. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you could receive your refund within 21 days.

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Here's a general timeline: For Tax Refund Schedule 2025

IRS starts accepting returns: Late January

• E-file & Direct Deposit: 1-3 weeks (often 2 weeks)
• Paper File by Mail & Direct Deposit: 3 weeks
• E-file & Paper Check by Mail: 6-8 weeks
• Paper File & Paper Check by Mail: 6-8 weeks1

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the 2025 tax refund season in the United States will commence on Monday, 27th January 2025, featuring enhanced tools and resources as part of the agency’s significant modernisation efforts.

The IRS anticipates over 140 million individual tax returns for the 2024 tax year to be submitted before the federal deadline of Tuesday, 15th April for as per 2025 tax refund schedule. More than half of these returns are expected to be filed with the assistance of tax professionals. The IRS strongly recommends using trusted tax experts to avoid scams and fraudulent schemes.

The tax refund schedule 2025 tax filing season will showcase the IRS’s continued strides in modernising its services, offering taxpayers improved tools and features. Key enhancements since the last tax season include expanded access to tax account information through text and voice virtual assistants, improved functionality on the IRS Individual Online Account, broader access to tax forms via mobile devices, and increased scam alert notifications to safeguard taxpayers.

The IRS has also expanded its Direct File programme this year. From 27th January, Direct File will be accessible to taxpayers in 25 states. Additionally, the IRS Free File programme is now open. Available exclusively on IRS.gov, the Free File Guided Tax Software provides millions of taxpayers with free access to software tools from trusted IRS partners.

Building on the success of the 2023 and 2024 tax seasons, the IRS is striving to maintain high levels of service this year. In previous seasons, the IRS achieved an 85% service level, with average wait times on main phone lines of less than five minutes, alongside a notable increase in assistance provided at Taxpayer Assistance Centres nationwide. Based on current plans and funding, the agency aims to deliver similar performance metrics for the upcoming season.

“This has been a transformative period for the IRS, and taxpayers will notice further improvements to aid them in filing their taxes this season,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “While these enhancements mark significant progress, they are just the beginning. Continued investment in the nation’s tax system will allow for even greater improvements.”

The Get Ready section on IRS.gov outlines steps taxpayers can take now to simplify their filing process and highlights a variety of resources available for support before, during, and after submitting their federal tax return. We have written a different blog on estimated 2025 iirma tax brackets, which is must read.

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Also read - 2025 federal income tax brackets

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If you're wondering, "When can I expect to receive my 2025 tax refund?", simply scroll down to view the easy-to-read refund date estimator chart.

While many Americans express their dislike for the IRS and often groan about filing taxes, millions actually look forward to receiving their tax refunds in February, March, or April (sometimes later). For many, the anticipation of a refund sparks excitement – plans for how to spend it often range from paying off bills (unlikely!) to splurging on a holiday, a cruise, or perhaps even a trip to Las Vegas!

Before filing, remember that you need to wait until you’ve received all your tax forms. These may include documents from your employer, colleges, mortgage providers, or others. If your finances are more complex—perhaps you got married or divorced, had a child, retired, bought or sold a property, own cryptocurrency, or have foreign assets—it’s wise to seek guidance from a tax professional, such as a CPA or an EA. They can ensure you comply with tax laws while also helping you take advantage of any new or lesser-known deductions and credits that might benefit you.

For the majority of Americans, however, taxes are fairly straightforward: a job or two (W-2 forms), possibly a side hustle (1099 or 1099-NEC forms), some child tax credits, and maybe a mortgage or a few minor additions. If this sounds like you, the chart below should give you a good idea of when to expect your refund.

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Estimated Tax Refund Schedule 2025

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Refunds for returns with EITC or CTC may be delayed until March for credit verification.

Filing during peak season (late March through April 15) may lead to longer wait times.

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If your IRS income tax refund is delayed after filing, you can consult your tax professional or use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website to track its status. Alternatively, you can download the IRS2Go app to check your refund progress.

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To avoid delays, it’s a good idea to e-file your tax return as soon as you’ve received all your necessary tax documents, such as your W-2, 1099s, mortgage and student loan interest statements, and other relevant forms. E-filing typically ensures a quicker turnaround time for your refund.

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Direct File Available From 27th January for Taxpayers in 25 States

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At the start of the 2025 tax season on 27th January, eligible taxpayers in 25 states will have access to Direct File, allowing them to file their taxes directly with the IRS for free. This year’s offering includes the 12 states that participated in last year’s pilot programme, as well as 13 additional states where the service will now be available.

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In the 2024 pilot, Direct File was accessible in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington State, and Wyoming. For the 2025 tax season, taxpayers in Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin will also be able to take advantage of this service.

Free File Programme Opens Early; Available in English and Spanish

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irs tax refund schedule 2025: Although the IRS will not begin accepting tax returns until 27th January, taxpayers can already take steps to get ahead with their tax preparations.

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From today, nearly everyone can file electronically for free using the IRS Free File programme, available exclusively on IRS.gov. Now in its 23rd year, Free File provides access to free tax preparation software through a public-private partnership between the IRS and Free File Inc. As part of this collaboration, eight private-sector companies offer their online tax preparation and filing tools to eligible taxpayers at no cost. To use these free services, taxpayers must begin from the IRS Free File page on IRS.gov.

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For the 2025 tax season, taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $84,000 or less in 2024 can access these guided software tools for free. Additionally, one partner is offering a product in Spanish to accommodate more users.

While the official tax filing season begins later this month, IRS Free File providers allow taxpayers to prepare and file their returns now. These returns will then be held securely until the IRS begins accepting electronic filings on 27th January. Many other software providers also offer similar early filing options.

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FAQ

When Should I Expect My Tax Refund in 2025?

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The IRS generally starts accepting tax returns in late January. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you could receive your refund within 21 days.

When Can I File Taxes 2025 IRS?

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The IRS announced that the 2025 tax filing season will begin on Monday, January 27, 2025

What Day Do They Start Sending Out Tax Refunds?

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The IRS generally starts releasing refunds shortly after they begin accepting tax returns, which is late January.

If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you could receive your refund within 21 days, often as soon as 1-3 weeks.   

However, keep in mind that factors like the complexity of your return and any potential issues can affect the processing time.

Is it Faster to File Electronically or Mail My Return?  

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E-filing with direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your tax refund.

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