Tax Refund Schedule 2025

If you’re like most people, you dread tax season. But if you’re expecting a tax refund, you may have something to look forward to. As of February 2025, the IRS reported that the average refund amount was $2,065. Most people will get their tax refund within three weeks of filing, but it varies based on how you file and how you get your refund. If there’s extra money coming your way from the IRS, you may be able to pay off some debt, build an emergency fund using a high-interest savings account or work with a financial advisor to set investing and retirement goals. Here’s when you can expect to get your possible refund.

When Will I Get My Tax Refund?

Most taxpayers receive their refunds within 21 days of filing. The IRS says it issues 90% of refunds in that timeframe. If you choose to have your refund deposited directly into your account (eight out of 10 tax filers opt for direct deposit), you may have to wait five days before you can gain access to it. If you decide to request a refund check, you might have to wait a few weeks for it to arrive.

The table below will give you a general estimate of how long you’ll wait, from the time you file until you get your refund.

Estimated Federal Tax Refund Schedule

Based on how you file, most taxpayers can generally expect to receive a refund within these time frames. On average, filers receive their refunds two weeks after their taxes were accepted by the IRS for direct deposits and three weeks after e-filing for a paper check in the mail. However, you may end up waiting longer in some cases.

How to Find the Current Status of My Refund

The Where’s My Refund? tool lets you check the status of your refund through the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app. If you submit your tax return electronically, you can check the status of your refund within 24 hours. But if you mail your tax return, you’ll need to wait at least four weeks before you can receive any information about your tax refund. Keep in mind that usually, you can file your taxes in January.

To find out the status of your tax refund, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number (SSN), filing status and the exact dollar amount of your expected refund. If you accidentally enter the wrong SSN, it could trigger an IRS Error Code 9001. That may require further identity verification and delay your tax refund.

What’s Taking So Long to Receive Refunds?

If you don’t receive your refund in 21 days, your tax return might need further review. This may happen if your return is incomplete or incorrect. The IRS may send you instructions through the mail if it needs additional information to process your return.

You may also experience delays if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit. Under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, the IRS is required to hold tax returns for people who claimed those credits until Feb. 15. If you claimed either of those tax breaks, a PATH Act message may appear when you use the Where’s My Refund? tool.

If you haven’t received your refund and you’re becoming impatient, calling the IRS will likely not help. It’s best to avoid contacting the IRS directly unless the Where’s My Refund? tool prompted you to do so or it’s been 21 days since you filed your tax return electronically (change that to six weeks after if you mailed your paper tax return).

What About My State Tax Refund?

What we’ve covered so far applies to federal tax refunds. As you might expect, every state does things a little differently when it comes to issuing tax refunds and it’s not possible to say for sure when everyone will receive their state tax refunds. Although, state refunds often come faster than those being processed through the federal system. This isn’t always the case, but it often is.

Generally, you can expect to receive your state tax refund within 30 days if you filed your tax return electronically. If you filed a paper tax return, it may take as many as 12 weeks for your refund to arrive. To find out the status of your refund, you’ll need to contact your state tax agency or visit your state’s Department of Revenue website.

When Are Taxes Due?

The deadline to submit your 2024 tax return and pay your tax bill is April 15, 2025. For those who are unable to meet this tax filing deadline for the year, there is an option to file for a six-month extension. This would extend your tax filing deadline to Oct. 15, 2025, but the sooner you file, the sooner you can receive your tax refund.

What Can You Do With Your Tax Refund Money?

Once you get your tax refund, and after taking care of any immediate bills or debt, you may be in a position to invest that money. Here are three smart ways to make your tax refund work for you.

First, consider contributing to your retirement savings. Placing your tax refund into an IRA or increasing your 401(k) contributions can provide you with tax benefits while also securing your financial future. Retirement accounts not only help grow your funds through compounding but also provide tax advantages that can increase your refund in future years.

Another smart option is to invest in the stock market. You could use your refund to buy stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs. If you’re new to investing, starting with a low-cost index fund is another common option to grow your money over time. These funds offer diversification and lower risk when compared with individual stocks.

Lastly, consider using your tax refund to boost your career by investing in education or training. Taking courses in areas like technology or getting certified in skills such as project management can increase your job prospects and salary. This investment can lead to better job opportunities and long-term financial benefits, making it a smart use of your refund.

Bottom Line

If you want to receive your tax refund as quickly as possible, you’ll need to complete your tax return early, check for mistakes before filing electronically. And while you can ask for a physical check, you’ll receive your refund much faster if it’s deposited directly into your checking account, savings account or individual retirement account (IRA). If you’re anxious about the status of your tax refund, don’t forget to use the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool. It provides real-time updates on the status of your refund.

Tips for Maximizing Your Tax Savings

• A financial advisor can help you invest in different types of assets and portfolios. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• When you’re filing your taxes, a tax filing service can make things easier. They can take a lot of the confusion out of the process for you and help you file a more accurate tax return. They can also help you find deductions or exemptions that you wouldn’t have known about on your own. Popular software choices include TurboTax and H&R Block.
• If you find that you’re regularly receiving large tax refunds, this may mean that you’re paying too much in taxes in the first place. In that case, you may want to adjust the withholding amounts on your W-4 so you can keep more money throughout the course of the year. Big refunds are exciting, but why give the IRS a free loan?

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