Tax refund schedule: When your IRS money might arrive in your account

<BATON ROUGE, La. – If you’ve submitted your federal income tax return and are waiting for a refund, the IRS indicates you should see it in your account soon. However, the exact timing will rely on when your return was submitted.

This year, the IRS is solely processing refunds through direct deposit, meaning no paper checks for tax refunds.

Expected Refund Date

The timing of your refund depends on when your e-filed return gets to the IRS. Here’s a breakdown of when you can expect your refund based on the acceptance date:

You could get your direct deposit refund within ten business days after the IRS receives your e-filed return.

Important Notes

* Early Filing Date: The 26th of January marks when the IRS began accepting electronically filed tax returns for the 2025 tax year.

** EITC and CTC Delays: If your return includes the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), expect possible delays until March as the IRS reviews these credits.

*** Future Filing Date: Acceptance dates may extend through April for returns filed closer to the deadline.

How to Check Your Refund Status

If you’ve filed but haven’t received your refund by the expected date, you can check its status using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool on their website. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.

Tips to Speed Up Processing

• File Electronically: E-filing is faster than paper filing.
• Use Direct Deposit: All refunds are only via direct deposit, so verify your bank information carefully.
• File Early: The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll receive your refund.
• Double-Check Your Details: Carefully review your return; errors could delay processing.

If you have specific queries about your return or refund, reaching out to the IRS or a tax professional is advisable.