The IRS began accepting tax returns in January 2025 and began sending refunds within 10-21 days. Filing methods affect refunds, with online filings being faster. Special rules for certain tax credits may delay refunds.
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IRS Payment Schedule April: The IRS started accepting tax returns on January 27, 2025, and began sending out refunds shortly after. Most people who filed electronically and chose direct deposit get their money within 10 to 21 days. However, some refunds take longer depending on how you filed and what tax credits you claimed.
Filing your taxes online is the fastest way to get your refund. Paper returns take much longer to process, often twice as long as electronic filings. Choosing to have your refund deposited directly into your bank account also speeds things up compared to waiting for a paper check in the mail.
If you claimed either the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC), your refund will take additional time. Federal law requires the IRS to hold these refunds until at least mid-February, even if you filed your taxes early in January. This extra time helps prevent fraud but means you’ll wait longer for your money.
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Here’s when you could expect your refund if you filed electronically with direct deposit:
The IRS provides a “Where’s My Refund?” tool on their official website that shows your refund status. This service updates once per day, usually overnight. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount to check your status.
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Several issues can delay your refund beyond the normal timeframe:
If your refund hasn’t arrived when expected, first check the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. If it shows your refund was sent but you haven’t received it, you may need to contact your bank or the IRS for help.
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