For millions of taxpayers in the US, the wait for a tax refund is no less than a financial relief. The 2025 tax season has begun, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is already processing tax refunds. If you have filed or are planning to file your tax return, it is important to know how long it will take to get a refund and what reasons can delay it.
In this article, we will tell you how long it will take to get your tax refunds, what reasons can delay it, and how you can speed up the process.
How long does it take to get an IRS tax refunds?
The time it takes to get an IRS tax refunds depends on how you filed your tax return. If you have filed your return electronically (E-file) and chosen direct deposit, you usually get a refund within 10 to 21 days. But if you filed a paper return and chose to be paid by check, the process can be longer and take up to 6 to 8 weeks.
Also, if you claimed the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the IRS may conduct additional scrutiny of your file to prevent fraud, which could delay your refund.
IRS Tax Refunds Calendar 2025
While exact dates may change, here are the estimated timelines released by the IRS:
- Returns filed between January 22 and February 9 → refund between February 16 and March 1
- Returns filed between January 29 and February 2 → refund between February 19 and March 5
- Returns filed from early to mid-March → refund between March 10 and March 22
- Returns filed after March → refund may be received by early April
The IRS processes millions of tax returns daily, so your refund will depend on whether your information is correct and complete.
What can cause a tax refunds to be delayed?
The IRS does its best to issue tax refunds as quickly as possible, but there can be delays for a variety of reasons:
- ✅ Incorrect information or errors – If there are errors on your tax return, such as the wrong Social Security number, incorrect bank details or income errors, there can be delays.
- ✅ Claiming certain tax credits – If you claimed the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) or CTC (Child Tax Credit), it may take longer for the IRS to check your file.
- ✅ Identity verification – The IRS sometimes asks for additional identity verification for some files, which can slow down the refund process.
- ✅ Late filing – The later you submit your tax return, the longer it may take to receive your refund.
Tips to get your tax refund quickly
If you want your refund to reach your account as soon as possible, keep the following in mind:
- ✔️ File early – The sooner you file your tax return, the sooner your refund will be processed.
- ✔️ Use electronic filing (E-filing) – E-filing is much faster and safer than paper returns.
- ✔️ Choose direct deposit – Opting for direct deposit may help you get your refund faster than paying by check.
- ✔️ Fill out the return information correctly – Check your information properly to avoid any mistakes, such as bank account details, income and social security number.
- ✔️ Track your status – Keep checking the status of your refund by visiting the IRS website.
How to check the status of your tax refund?
The IRS provides an online tool to track your tax refunds, called “Where’s My Refund?”. To use this tool, you will need the following information:
- Your Social Security number
- Your filing status (single, married, head of household, etc.)
The exact amount of the refund
Through this tool, you can check the status of your refund in three steps:
- 1️⃣ Return Received – The IRS has received your tax return.
- 2️⃣ Refund Approved – Your refund is being processed.
- 3️⃣ Refund Sent – The IRS has sent your money, and it will be deposited in your bank account soon.
Conclusion
During the 2025 tax season, millions of Americans are waiting for their tax refunds. If you have already filed your return, you can get your refund between March 10 and 16, according to the IRS estimated due dates. But if you haven’t filed your tax return yet, complete it as soon as possible so that you can get your refund as soon as possible.
File electronically, opt for direct deposit, and fill in your information carefully to speed up the tax refunds process. If your refund is delayed, check your status using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website.
If you are facing any kind of problem, contact the IRS helpline or visit the official website. Follow the right procedure to get your money in your account as soon as possible and stay alert!
FAQs
Q. When will the IRS send tax refunds in 2025?
A. The IRS will process refunds between March 10 and 16, depending on when the return was filed.
Q. How can I check my tax refund status?
A. You can track your refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website.
Q. How long does it take to receive a tax refund?
A. E-filed returns with direct deposit take 10-21 days, while paper returns take 6-8 weeks.
Q. What can delay my tax refund?
A. Errors in the return, claiming credits like EITC/CTC, identity verification, or IRS reviews may cause delays.
Q. How can I get my refund faster?
A. File electronically, choose direct deposit, and ensure your information is accurate to speed up processing.