Taxpayers can file their 2025 taxes from late January to mid-April. Those who file early without any mistake can expect their refund earlier. Some ways can expedite the process of tax returns like filing electronically, choosing the direct deposit payment method, avoiding the errors and mistakes, etc.
When do Tax Returns Come 2025?
Many people have a question in their minds that “when can they expect to receive their refunds?” after filing their tax returns. The answer is simple with the IRS guidelines that the most electronic refunds issued within 21 days. If you set up a direct deposit to receive your refund then you can expect to receive it in just 10-21 days.
The tax refund timing can vary based on many factors like how and when you file your return, the method of refund delivery, and any potential issues that may arise during processing. The expected start date of tax season 2025 is 27th January and your early filing can result in early refund.
Paper filing is another way to file your taxes but you have to keep in mind that this method can delay your refund for about 6 to 8 weeks. Here’s an estimated timeline of every filing method with every refund receiving method.
| Filing Method | Refund Method | Estimated Refund Arrival Timeline |
| E-File | Direct Deposit | 1-3 weeks |
| E-File | Paper Check | 3-4 weeks |
| Paper-File | Direct Deposit | 4-6 weeks |
| Paper-File | Paper Check | 6-8 weeks |
How to track tax return status on the IRS tool “Where’s My Refund”?
The “IRS Where’s My Refund?” tool allows you to track the stage of your return and it will also allow you to check whether your return is approved. The step-by-step process for checking the refund status 2025 is available here.
- Before starting the process of tracking refund status, you have to collect information and ke details like:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Filing Status (e.g., single, married filing jointly, etc.)
- Exact Refund Amount as shown on your tax return
- After that, go to the official IRS website to access “Where’s My Refund?” tool or you can also download the IRS2Go app on mobile to track the refund status.
- If you have accessed the tool, then put the required information in designated fields.
- After entering all the required information, click on the “Submit” button because the submission allows the tool to process your information and then display the status of your return on your screen.
- The status is displayed in one of three stages: Return Received, Return Approved or Return Sent.
Impact of claiming ACTC/EITC on Tax Returns 2025
If you claim Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on your return 2025, then it can allow you to get higher refunds. But claiming these types of credits can impact the timing of your refund. The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act is the reason which affects the arrival time of your refund.
This act delays your refund until mid-February to verify the eligibility of these credits and prevent taxpayers from identity theft. This means that taxpayers who claim these credits on their tax returns 2025 in January may see their refunds after mid-February. The holding reason for claims with certain benefits is to complete the verification process.
Which tax returns 2025 face delays and what are tips to speed up the process?
There are many types of tax returns which take longer to arrive and the main reason behind delay is also discussed here.
Paper Filed Return:
- Paper filed return is the most significant return which faces delays due to the longer processing and issuance time requirement. This requires manual handling of tax returns by IRS staff so the paper refund takes up to six to eight weeks to arrive compared to the one to three weeks of electronic returns.
Returns with Errors or Incomplete Information:
- Returns with errors and incomplete information can slow down the process of the tax returns. The common mistakes and errors can be incorrect Social Security numbers, mismatched names, or missing forms, etc so check your information for accuracy before submitting your tax return.
Returns with Additional Verification:
- Some returns require additional verification in which the most crucial ones are those who filed with certain credits like ACTC/EITC. The additional time requirement for verification could delay your refund so be patience.
Direct Deposit vs Paper Check:
- Your refund payment method can also be a reason for delay and you can avoid it through utilizing direct deposit. Through the direct deposit method you can only expect your tax refund to arrive within 10 days. Returns with a paper check method can also be a reason for lost or stolen checks.