If you’re counting on your tax refund to cover expenses or just looking forward to some extra cash, you’re not alone. The IRS began processing tax returns on January 27, marking the official start of refund season. With around 140 million Americans expected to file this year, one burning question remains: When will your refund arrive?
To help you navigate the process, we’ve outlined important tax deadlines, how to track your refund status, and what factors might cause delays. After all, waiting for your money can be the most frustrating part of tax season!
Tracking Your Tax Refund: How to Find Out When You'll Get Paid
If you’re eagerly waiting for your tax refund to arrive, the IRS provides a useful tool called “Where’s My Refund?” to track its status.
To check your refund update, you’ll need to provide:
- Your Social Security Number (or ITIN)
- Your filing status (Single, Married, etc.)
- The exact refund amount from your tax return
With these details, you can quickly see whether your refund is on its way or still processing. Stay informed and avoid the guesswork with this simple tracking tool!
Understanding Your Tax Refund Status: What Each Update Means
Once you enter your details, you’ll see one of these three updates:
- Return Received – The IRS has received your tax return and is processing it.
- Refund Approved – Your refund has been approved, and the IRS is preparing to send it. An estimated payment date will be provided.
- Refund Sent – Your refund has been issued. If you opted for direct deposit, it should appear in your bank account within 5 business days. For paper checks, it may take a few weeks to arrive.
And if you find yourself checking the status frequently, you’re definitely not alone!
How Long Will It Take to Receive Your Tax Refund?
The time it takes to receive your tax refund mainly depends on how you filed your return. E-filing is much quicker, allowing the IRS to process your return faster than if you mailed a paper return and are waiting for a check. Typically, refunds are issued within three weeks, but some may take longer.
The IRS recommends not relying on a specific refund date for major purchases or bill payments. Some returns might need extra review, which can cause delays. So, hold off on spending that refund money until it’s actually in your account—tax season is full of surprises!
What’s Causing the Delay in My Refund?
There are several reasons why your refund might be delayed. The IRS lists these as the most common causes:
- Errors or Missing Information: If you made mistakes while filing, your return will undergo additional review. Outdated information, incomplete forms, or signs of potential fraud can also slow things down.
- Tax Credit Adjustments: Refunds involving credits like the Child Tax Credit or Recovery Rebate Credit may require extra verification before processing.
- Special Claims: Claims such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, or Form 8379 (Injured Spouse Allocation) can extend processing times compared to standard refunds.
- Bank Delays: The IRS may have sent your refund on time, but your bank or credit union may take longer to post it to your account.
In short, if your refund is taking longer than expected, it’s likely caught in a bureaucratic backlog.
What’s the Deadline for Filing Your Taxes?
You’ve got until April 15, 2025 to file your federal income tax return for 2024 — so don’t wait until the last minute! If you’re living outside the U.S., you get a little extra time, with a deadline of June 16, 2025 for overseas filers.
The IRS isn’t known for being lenient with deadlines, so be sure to submit your return on time. If you’re filing electronically, your submission time, based on your time zone, is what counts. For those mailing a paper return, make sure it has the right address, proper postage, and is postmarked by April 15 to meet the deadline. Keep things timely to avoid any headaches later!