When Does Tax Season Start 2025? IRS Tax Refund Timeline!

The expected start date of 2025 can be expected between 15-31 January and the due date can be 15 April. Individuals should regularly stay in touch with the official IRS website because the official announcement of tax season dates can happen anytime in January 2025. 

Individuals have to follow the “Get Ready” preparations and tips at the time of filing tax returns 2025. The refund can be expected within 21 days if you e-file with direct deposit or in 6 to 8 weeks if you utilize the mail method. The six month extension period is expected to run until 15 October 2025 like previous years trends. 

When Does Tax Season Start 2025?

The IRS tax season is expected to start in the last week of 2025 based on previous years trends. The IRS has not officially announced opening and closing dates of the 2025 tax season but you can expect it between the last week of January to mid April 2025. The expected timeline of 2025 tax season can be:

IRS Get Ready Preparation & Tips for 2025 Tax Season

There are many preparations and tips which you must follow. Some of them are essential to keep in mind before the opening of tax season 2025 and some will be helpful at the timing of filing tax returns. 

• Gather Necessary Documents: Individuals have to collect necessary documents before opening of tax season like W-2 Forms, 1099 Forms, Bank Statements, receipts and records of deductible expenses such as medical bills, charitable donations, and business expenses, etc. 
• Set up for an IRS Online Account: If you set up an IRS online account, it will be helpful to:
  • View your tax records and transcripts.
  • Check your adjusted gross income (AGI) from previous years.
  • Manage your payment plans and view your balance.
  • Request an Identity Protection PIN
  • Sign tax forms electronically.
  • Receive and view IRS notices electronically
• Review and Update Withholding or Estimated Payments: To avoid underpayment penalties or a large tax bill, your withholdings or estimated tax payments must be accurate in case you have multiple income sources or you face changes in your financial situation.
• Obtain an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN): Taxpayers must have to obtain Identity Protection PIN from an IRS online account because it helps you to protect your tax return from identity theft. 
• Learn About Tax Credits and Deductions: Individuals must know about any tax credit and deductions for which they qualify because it can reduce their tax liability. 
• Plan for Digital Assets: If individuals have digital assets like convertible virtual currencies, cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), then they have to report them accurately. 
• Choose Free Filing Method: Individuals have to file their 2025 taxes with IRS free file method which is free of cost and the filing submission must be electronic because it fastens your refund than paper method. 
• File Return Early: Individuals are advised to file early in tax season 2025 because it has several benefits like faster refund, prevention of identity theft, and it also avoids last minute stress. 
• Use Direct Deposit: Individuals have to opt for direct deposit so they can get their refund payments directly in a bank account faster without any risk like missing, lost, or stolen checks. 
• File Return without missing or incorrect details: Individuals who file their tax returns with missing or incorrect details can face delays in their refund until they do not provide accurate information to IRS so file with valid and accurate information. 

Tax Season 2025 Refund Timeline 

We can expect the start of tax season 2025 on 27 January and the refund receiving timeline mostly depends on your filing time, method, refund payment method, etc,.

IRS process tax returns on a first come first serve basis so file your tax return in early opening days. 

If you e-file with the direct deposit method, then you can expect to receive your tax refund within 21 days while a paper return can take almost six to eight weeks after the date of filing. 

The direct deposit can only take 1 to 3 weeks to refund you after the IRS approves your return but a paper check can take months to reach a qualifying taxpayer. 

Your refund can reduce the risk of being lost or stolen through direct deposit so choose the filing method wisely.

Due to the PATH Act, no refund of credits like ACTC and EITC will be provided to taxpayers before mid-February 2025.