IRS Refund Processing Time

Once you file your tax return, you may worry: “How long will it take for my refund?”

Everyone’s situation is unique, but according to the IRS, filing electronically and selecting direct deposit can expedite the process significantly.

Typically, the IRS processes and issues refunds within 21 days for paper filers; however, this time may extend for longer.

IRS tips for a smooth filing season

This year, the IRS anticipates filing 168 million tax returns. To ensure taxpayers receive their refunds promptly, they are working harder than ever to expedite the processing of refunds.

To ensure a stress-free filing season, take these simple steps. Utilizing last year’s return as a model and prepping your taxes in advance can help avoid mistakes that cause delays in processing your return.

Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to file and get your refund. Filing a paper return or receiving it as a check may take longer to process.

April 18 tax deadline

The April 18 tax deadline is the last date the IRS can accept and process your 2025 federal income tax return. If you’ve submitted your return electronically and elected to receive your refund through direct deposit, expect it to be disbursed within 21 days.

The IRS strongly suggests filing as early as possible this year to guarantee a speedy and seamless refund processing time. Filing late may cause your 2024 tax refund to take longer, especially if you qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.

In addition to the IRS filing deadline, states also have their tax filing dates. Check with your state’s revenue department to find out what requirements exist.

Tips to help people with the 2025 tax season

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of filing taxes? Here are some tips to get you organized and keep them that way throughout the year. Organizing all tax documents into one central location will make filing taxes a much smoother experience.

Another way to simplify the process is filing your taxes electronically with direct deposit. This allows for direct deposit of your refund into a bank account, prepaid debit card, or mobile app.

Doing so can reduce your IRS refund processing time and guarantee that you receive your refund as quickly as possible.

Additionally, ensure you receive your W-2s and 1099s from employers or clients to accurately estimate your income and deductions when filing a tax return.

IRS Free File available January 13

On January 13, 2013, the IRS Free File service went live and became accessible for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less. Through a public-private partnership, leading tax software providers make their online products accessible in English and Spanish.

IRS Refund Processing Timeline:

Tax returns filed electronically and delivered through direct deposit typically have a refund processing time of 21 days or less. Nevertheless, the agency cautions that certain factors may slow down refund issuance.

This year, the IRS has hired over 5,000 additional telephone assistors and added in-person staff to enhance customer service during tax season. Furthermore, it’s investing tens of billions of dollars in new funding to modernize and improve its systems for administering taxpayer services.

Key filing season dates

Many taxpayers strive to get their tax refund quickly, but this process can be intricate.

During filing season, IRS workers often face lengthy refund processing delays as the agency continues battling ongoing pandemic staffing/budget shortages and accumulating unprocessed returns.

Most Americans receive income tax refunds within two weeks of filing their return, though this timeline may differ based on when they file.

Refunds for EITC/ACTC claims may take an extra week to process due to the 2015 PATH Act law, which gives the IRS spare time to verify credit eligibility and prevent fraudulent returns from being issued. The IRS has created a convenient chart to help estimate when to expect your refund.

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