Every year, millions of Americans file their tax returns — and many of them are eligible for a tax refund. This refund is money that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) returns to taxpayers who overpaid their taxes during the year.
In 2025, the deadline to file tax returns was April 15. Those who submitted their forms on time, especially electronically, could receive their refunds much faster. In fact, the first wave of refunds started going out weeks ago.
Let’s explore how long the IRS takes to process refunds, what can delay your money, and how to track your refund status online.
When Will You Get Your Tax Refund?
According to the IRS, if you filed your return electronically and there are no errors, you can expect your refund in about 21 days. This means:
- If you filed by April 6, 2025, and chose direct deposit, you could receive your refund by April 27, 2025.
However, if you mailed a paper tax return, your wait will be longer. Paper returns take around 4 to 8 weeks to process due to manual handling.
Factors That Can Delay Your Refund:
- Filing errors or missing information
- Claiming tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Choosing paper checks instead of direct deposit
- Bank account issues
- Additional identity verification required
If there’s a problem, the IRS will contact you by mail asking for more documents or clarification.
Tax Refund Examples for April 2025
Here are some sample refund timelines based on actual filing dates:
- Filed April 1, 2025: Refund received by April 22 (within 21 days)
- Filed April 10, 2025: Possible refund by April 25 (12–15 days)
- Filed April 15, 2025: Refund expected by May 6, but some may receive it earlier, by April 27, for simple cases
How to Track Your Refund in 2025
To check your tax refund status, the IRS has a tool called “Where’s My Refund?” It’s available online and through the IRS2Go app.
This tool updates every 24 hours, and for 2025, it includes real-time tracking, so you can see exactly where your refund is in the process.
What You’ll Need:
- Your Social Security Number
- Filing status (e.g., single, married)
- Exact refund amount
The tool becomes active 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return. If you filed on or before April 15, you could start tracking from April 23.
How to Get Your Refund Faster
If you want to get your money quickly:
- File electronically
- Avoid errors or missing information
- Choose direct deposit instead of a paper check
- Submit early, well before the April 15 deadline
Paper returns, mistakes, or complex tax credits like the EITC can all cause delays. Always double-check your return before submitting.