IRS CEO Confirms Refunds Will Be Unaffected by Possible Shutdown

Frank Bisignano, the CEO of the IRS, assured that potential government shutdowns won’t hinder refund checks. He spoke with Aisha Husney from Fox News about this assurance.

Tax season kicked off last week, marking the beginning for many American taxpayers expecting their tax refunds. Depending on how returns are filed, some might see the funds in their accounts within a few weeks.

The IRS announced that tax filing season began on January 26, allowing taxpayers to file their returns for the 2025 tax year. Those who have overpaid taxes during the year are eligible for a refund.

In their announcement, the IRS indicated that, with a few exceptions, most refunds are typically processed within three weeks of filing. They stated, “The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days, but some returns need extra review and might take longer.”

What to Know About Tax Filing Season

According to the IRS website, most tax refunds are usually processed in about 21 days for electronic filings. However, if returns are mailed, it could take six weeks or longer to process. Additional time may be necessary for those needing amendments or further review on their returns.

Taxpayers aiming for a quicker refund might want to consider setting up direct deposit with the IRS. The agency phased out paper checks last fall but will still send paper checks for those without alternatives. For those lacking bank accounts, options include prepaid debit cards and digital wallets.

Direct deposit remains the most common method, with 93% of 93.5 million refunds issued to individual taxpayers through this method during the 2025 tax season.

Expectations for Large Tax Refunds Next Year

There’s anticipation that taxpayers might see “very large” tax refunds early next year, reflecting significant changes in the tax landscape.

The IRS provides a tool called Where is my refund?, which allows taxpayers to check the refund status online. Those who file electronically can often get updates within 24 hours, spanning both the current year and the past two years.

If amendments to returns are necessary, this process can lengthen the time required to receive refunds. According to the IRS, it might take up to 16 weeks for processed amendments to be reflected in the system.

For those wanting to track amended returns, the IRS also has a tool available at Where is my amended tax return?.

Impact of Potential Shutdown on Refunds

The recent government shutdown, which commenced on February 1, could theoretically impact when taxpayers receive their refunds, though some lawmakers believe it could resolve soon.

Bisignano emphasized that there’s “no way” the shutdown will affect refund payments, affirming that IRS employees will remain active during this period.

During a previous, lengthy shutdown from October to mid-November last year, the IRS noted that refunds were mostly unavailable unless under specific conditions. They mentioned, “Refunds will generally not be paid during this time, except for electronically filed, error-free returns that can be auto-processed.”