The April 15 deadline might have passed, but you'll still want to watch your mailboxes and check your bank accounts: IRS refunds are rolling out.
And while the IRS is starting to phase out paper checks this fall, the change will begin for 2025 tax refunds. That means you'll still receive your 2024 federal tax refund in the mail if you opted for that method of payment. (Direct deposits are unaffected by the elimination of paper checks.)
Read on for the 2025 federal tax refund schedule to know when to expect your payment from the IRS.
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Related: Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It).
Where’s my 2025 IRS tax refund?
Your IRS refund depends in part on your filing method. Below are estimated timeframes for when you may expect to receive your tax refund.
- E-filed returns can take up to 21 days to process a refund.
- Mailed returns take 4-8 weeks to process a refund.
Note: The above periods are after the IRS has accepted your return.
It’s also important to note that errors in your tax forms, IRS processing delays, or bank delays may extend the waiting period for your tax refund.
Tax refund timing can be delayed
Certain factors can affect the timing of your tax refund, including:
- When you filed. Filing during the busiest time of the tax season (roughly late March to mid-April) might delay your refund.
- Which credits you claimed. Certain credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), can delay tax returns due to the IRS needing more time to review.
- How you submitted your return. Electronically filed returns typically process 1-5 weeks faster than mail-in returns.
- If you owed the IRS any money. If you have an outstanding tax liability with the IRS, the tax agency may apply part or all of your refund to repay your debt.
IRS refund schedule
Your refund delivery is based partly on which filing method and refund delivery method you chose:
Refund Delivery Time | Filing & Refund Delivery Methods |
|---|---|
3 weeks | E-file and direct deposit |
4 weeks | E-file and check |
4 to 8 weeks | Mail in return and direct deposit |
4 to 9 weeks | Mail in return and check |
Note: The above estimates are after the IRS has accepted your return. Processing delays or errors in the return may cause you to receive your federal refund after these dates.
Tax refund calendar 2025
Although there is currently a federal government shutdown, the IRS has issued guidance that it will continue normal operations until October 7th, 2025.
As such, here is a general estimate of when you may expect your 2024 federal tax refund:
Date return is filed and accepted: | Date Direct Deposit may arrive: | Date mailed check may arrive: |
|---|---|---|
September 15 | October 6 | November 14 |
September 22 | October 13 | November 21 |
September 29 | October 20 | November 28 |
October 6 | October 27 | December 5 |
October 13 | November 3 | December 12 |
October 20 | November 10 | December 19 |
October 27 | November 17 | December 26 |
November 3 | November 24 | January 2 |
November 10 | December 1 | January 9 |
November 17 | December 8 | January 16 |
November 24 | December 15 | January 23 |
December 1 | December 22 | January 30 |
*For more information on the federal shutdown, see Kiplinger's report What Will the Government Shutdown Do to the IRS?.
Note: The above table is an estimate and can be influenced by several factors, including but not limited to processing delays, tax credits claimed, and whether you filed during the busiest time of the season.
Tax refund status: How to check it
You can check the status of your tax refund by using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. The webpage will show you the status of your tax refund as early as 24 hours after the IRS has accepted your return.
You can also download the IRS2Go app to check your tax refund status. Or, you can call the automated IRS refund hotline at 800-829-1954.
State income tax refunds
Each state has a different tax refund schedule. For example, North Carolina paper filers may not receive a refund for up to three months, while Oklahoma taxpayers can expect a refund about five to six weeks after the state accepts the return.
However, some states may allow you to check your tax refund status. Visit your state’s Department of Revenue website for more information.
More on 2025 Taxes
- IRS Paper Checks Deadline: What Happens After September 30?
- States With 2025 IRS Tax Deadline Extensions
- When Are Taxes Due in 2025? Tax Deadlines by Month
- Estimated Tax Payments: What You Need to Know
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