IRS Tax Refund Schedule 2025: Every year, a tax season ushers in mountains of stress and confusion for millions. Filling out the forms, keeping up with due dates, and collecting all those necessary documents can be somewhat complicated, at least until the moment of refunds, when (yay!) they feel almost relief.
The IRS or Internal Revenue Service hands out billions of dollars in tax refunds to millions of Americans every year. This is the money that you have overpaid in taxes throughout the year, and the government gives it back to you. In such cases, people keep their fingers crossed about when this money will come and be credited into their bank accounts.
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How many days do tax refunds come?
Most tax refunds take 10 to 21 days to arrive. This fact is true according to the IRS website. But this time is not the same for every person. It is subject to many variables – such as when you filed the return, how you filed it, and what tax credits you claimed.
How does the IRS determine the refunding schedule?
The IRS refund schedule is already predetermined per the website of Tax Layer, though that schedule depends on:
- E-filing date
- Paper or electronic filing method
- How you want it – direct deposit or check
- Which tax credits do you claim: such as an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Does the Filing Method Matter Much?
According to Copy Buzz, if you have e-filed your return, then it gets fast processing. Paper filing is way slower and therefore suggested by the IRS that people adopt the method of e-filing and direct deposit so they may take the refund quickly.
Direct Deposit vs. Check
If you asked for a refund directly deposited into your bank account, you got your money fast. But if a refund was ordered via a check, it also took time to come in the mail.
Hold-ups in Refunds Due to Certain Tax Credits
As per some IRS directives related to refunds of Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), the refund will be on hold for some time. According to law, the IRS can hold refunds in such cases until mid-February to get all the information verified properly.
How many days, on average, does it take for a refund to be received? (Per filing and delivery)
The timeframes are as follows regarding when and how to file and receive money:
- E-filing + Direct Deposit: 1 to 3 weeks
- E-filing + Check: About 1 month
- Paper Return + Direct Deposit: 3 weeks
- Paper Return + Check: About 2 months
So, those who choose e-filing and direct deposit usually get their refunds very quickly.
Who will collect a refund in the second week of April?
Now, to the big question: who will collect refunds between April 7 and April 13 in 2025, according to the IRS’s refund tax schedule?
- E-filing + Direct Deposit: If one e-filed his or her tax returns in between March 18 and March 24, 2025 and opted for direct deposit for the returns, it is likely that his or her refund will arrive in the bank account in April.
- Refund recipients via check: If one filed his or her return in the second week of February (around February 10 to 16) and opted for a paper check, his or her refund may reach him or her through mail by Monday, April 7, 2025.
What to do if your refund has not arrived?
If you expect a refund but it has not yet reached you, you may wish to utilize the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool. Wherein you would need to provide:
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Your Filing Status
- The Amount of Your Refund
The tool will let you know whether your refund is at the stage of being Received, Approved, or Sent.
Quickest tips to get a refund
- Always prefer e-E-filing
- Opt for the direct deposit method
- Upload all necessary documents correctly and completely
- If you’re claiming EITC or CTC, then maybe sit for a little
- Continue checking for refund status through the IRS website
Conclusion
Each year, millions of American taxpayers get tax refunds from the IRS. If you file your returns properly, then you will also get your refund in no time at all. Anyone who filed electronically between the third week of March to that check option in February will have that refund by the IRS between April 7 and April 13, 2025. If you’re among them, then just wait a little more – your money is coming.
FAQs
Q1. When do IRS tax refunds start arriving in 2025?
Ans: Usually, IRS tax refunds start arriving within 2 to 3 weeks of the start of tax season, i.e. from February to April.
Q2. Can I get a refund between April 7 and April 13, 2025?
Ans: Yes, if you e-filed between March 18 and March 24, 2025, and opted for direct deposit, your refund may arrive between these dates.
Q3. When will I get a refund if I opt for a check?
Ans: If you filed your tax return in the second week of February and opted for a paper check, your check may arrive in the mail by April 7, 2025.