Every year, as tax season approaches, people often ask, “When will I receive my tax refund?” If you have already filed or plan to file your tax return in 2025, this article is for you. We will explain how long it typically takes to receive your tax refund, highlight important dates, and share tips for getting your refund quickly.
How long does it take to get a tax refund?
According to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), if you have filed your tax return electronically and opted for direct deposit, then in most cases the refund is received within 21 days. Sometimes it can be even sooner, especially if you have given all the information correctly.
On the other hand, if you have filed taxes in paper form, then you may have to wait a little longer. It may take about 6 to 8 weeks to get a refund through paper return.
Estimated Tax Filing and Refund Deadlines (2025)
| Filing Method | Estimated Refund Time |
|---|---|
| E-file + Direct Deposit | 1 to 3 weeks |
| E-file + Check by Mail | About 1 month |
| Paper File + Direct Deposit | 3 weeks |
| Paper File + Check by Mail | 2 months |
This table gives you an idea of how long it will take to receive a refund based on how you file your taxes.
Key Dates for the 2025 Tax Season
- January 15, 2025: Last date to pay fourth quarter estimated taxes.
- January 27, 2025: Official start of tax filing, the IRS begins accepting returns.
- January 31, 2025: Last date to receive your W-2 forms.
- February 18, 2025: Last date to give your employer a new W-4 form if you are tax-exempt.
- April 15, 2025: General tax filing deadline.
- June 16, 2025: Last date to pay second quarter estimated taxes.
- Sept. 15, 2025: The date to pay third quarter estimated taxes.
- Oct. 15, 2025: The last date to file a return if you asked for an extension.
- Dec. 31, 2025: The last date for retirement planning and charity donations.
How to track a tax refund?
The IRS website has a tool called “Where’s My Refund?” that can help you check the status of your refund. If you e-filed, you can find out your status within a day. If you sent a paper return, it can take about a month.
You can also use the IRS2Go mobile app. On this app or website, you can see these statuses:
- Return received
- Refund approved
- Refund sent
For tracking, you will need:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your filing status (e.g. single, married, head of household, etc.)
- Your exact refund amount
Ways to get a tax refund quickly
Everyone wants to get their refund quickly. For this, you can take some easy steps:
- File early: Filing early starts your process early.
- Avoid mistakes: Mistakes in the return can force the IRS to contact you, which can cause delays.
- Choose direct deposit: This will send your money directly to your bank.
- Choose the right account: The deposit account must be in your name.
Keep in mind that if you took the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, you may have to wait until the end of February to receive your refund.
What if you file your taxes late?
If the IRS owes you a refund and you file late, you usually don’t have to pay a penalty. But if you owe taxes and you file or pay late, you may have to pay a penalty.
- Late filing: 5% penalty per month of the tax owed (up to 25%).
- Late payment: 0.5% penalty per month.
How to get a tax filing extension?
If you need extra time to file your taxes, you can file for a free extension through IRS Free File. Paper filers must submit Form 4868, which gives you an additional 6 months.
Keep in mind: An extension only extends the filing date, not the payment date. You will still be charged a penalty if you are late in paying taxes.
Reasons for a late tax refund
Your refund may be delayed for a few reasons:
- Errors or incomplete information on the return
- Additional review for certain tax credits
- Time spent verifying identity
- Procedural delays on paper returns
Conclusion
The process of getting a tax refund in 2025 may seem a bit complicated, but with the right information and due diligence, it can be very easy. E-filing, direct deposit, and providing accurate information are the keys to getting your refund quickly. If you have completed all the procedures correctly, just wait a little and keep tracking your status on the IRS website.
FAQs
Q. When will I get my 2025 tax refund?
A. Most refunds are issued within 21 days if you file electronically and choose direct deposit.
Q. How can I track my tax refund?
A. Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to check your refund status.
Q. What if I file a paper tax return?
A. Paper returns can take 6 to 8 weeks to process, depending on how you choose to receive your refund.
Q. Can filing errors delay my refund?
A. Yes, mistakes or incomplete information can slow down your refund processing.
Q. What if I need more time to file my taxes?
A. You can request an extension until October 15, 2025, by filing Form 4868 by April 15, 2025.
