Tax season is always a stressful time of year for many, and waiting for your tax refund can feel like an eternity. If you’re filing your taxes for 2024 in early 2025, you’ll want to know when you can expect to receive your refund and how to track it once it’s been processed. While there’s no exact “one-size-fits-all” date, there are some general timelines and important things our company would like you to keep in mind.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through the basics of when you can expect your refund in 2025 and how to track it.
1. When Will I Get My 2025 Tax Refund?
The IRS typically processes tax returns starting in late January and continues through mid-April for individuals filing their returns for the previous year. When you file your taxes in 2025 for the 2024 tax year, here’s a rough timeline to keep in mind:
Early Filers: If you file your taxes early in the season (late January to early February), and you choose direct deposit, you could receive your refund in as little as 21 days. So, for example, if you file your return on January 29, you might see your refund as soon as February 19.
Later Filers: If you file closer to the April deadline (April 15), it may take a little longer for the IRS to process your return and issue your refund. Keep in mind that the IRS sees a higher volume of returns closer to the filing deadline, which could cause delays in processing.
Paper Filers: If you file a paper return (instead of e-filing), expect delays. Paper returns can take 6-8 weeks or longer to process, so filing electronically is always faster.
2. How Do I Track My Refund?
The IRS provides an easy way to track your refund status through the Where’s My Refund? tool on their website. Here’s how it works:
Online Tracking: The tool can be accessed on the IRS website, and you can check your refund status 24/7. You’ll need three key pieces of information to use the tool:
Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Your filing status (single, married, etc.)
The exact refund amount you expect to receive.
Mobile App: You can also track your refund status through the IRS2Go app, which is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
Refund Status Updates: The IRS updates the status of your refund once a day, usually overnight, so you won’t need to check repeatedly. You’ll see one of three possible statuses:
Received – The IRS has received your return but hasn’t started processing it yet.
Approved – Your return has been processed, and your refund is approved.
Sent – Your refund has been issued and is on its way to you. If you're working with us at Silvers Financial Services, you'll know when it's all done and when to expect your payment.
3. Factors That Can Delay Your Refund
While most refunds are processed quickly, several factors can cause delays. These include:
Errors on Your Return: If there are mistakes on your return (such as incorrect Social Security numbers, missing signatures, or inaccurate bank account details for direct deposit), the IRS will need to correct them before issuing your refund, which could add time to the process. If we spot some issues when filing, you'll know faster than most!
Incompleteness or Additional Reviews: If you claim certain tax credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit), your refund might be delayed due to additional reviews. The IRS is required by law to hold refunds involving these credits until mid-February to allow for more thorough processing.
Paper Returns: As mentioned earlier, paper returns take much longer to process than e-filed returns. If you’re sending a paper return, be prepared for longer wait times.
Identity Theft or Fraud Concerns: If there’s any suspicion of identity theft or fraud, the IRS may flag your return for further investigation, which can delay your refund.
Unresolved Tax Issues: If you owe back taxes, have missed filings from previous years, or are involved in any other tax issues, your refund may be delayed or reduced to cover outstanding amounts.
4. How Can I Speed Up My Refund?
While you can’t speed up the IRS’s processing, there are a few things you can do to ensure a quicker and smoother refund process:
E-file: Filing your taxes electronically is the fastest way to get your refund. If you file a paper return, it will take significantly longer to process.
Choose Direct Deposit: If you want your refund as quickly as possible, choose direct deposit. This allows the IRS to send the refund directly to your bank account, which is much faster than mailing a paper check.
Double-Check Your Return: Take your time to make sure all the information on your tax return is correct. The IRS may need to delay processing if there are errors, so checking for mistakes can save time in the long run. Luckily, you're in good hands if you're working with us on this step, as you have extra eyes to check everything is clean.
Avoid Filing at the Last Minute: Filing as early as possible can help avoid delays that occur as the filing deadline approaches, especially for those who need more time to file.
5. What If I Don’t Receive My Refund on Time?
If it’s been more than 21 days since the IRS accepted your return (or 6-8 weeks for paper returns), and you haven’t received your refund, it’s time to follow up with our team, or IRS directly if you're not yet working with us. Use the Where’s My Refund? tool to check your status, or call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. However, be prepared for potentially long wait times when calling the IRS.
6. Keep in Mind Key Dates for 2025 Tax Filing
Tax Filing Deadline: For most people, the 2025 tax season will end on April 15, 2025, unless you file for an extension.
Tax Day for Individuals: If you miss the deadline and don’t file an extension, your return could be considered late, which could result in penalties and interest.
Final Thoughts
While waiting for your tax refund isn’t exactly fun, knowing when to expect it and how to track it can ease some of the stress. By filing early, choosing direct deposit, and using the IRS’s tracking tools, you can make the process as smooth as possible.
As always, if you have questions or concerns about your taxes, or need help filing, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and schedule a free consultation to see how we can help. We can ensure your return is filed accurately and on time, helping you get your refund as quickly as possible.
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