If you have been eagerly waiting for your 2025 tax refund, the wait may finally be over. The IRS has officially started processing and issuing tax refunds to millions of Americans. As of now, the timeline is moving forward—but how quickly you get your money really depends on how and when you filed.
For those of you who filed electronically and opted for direct deposit, you are in the best position. These refunds are usually the first to go out, and many are already hitting bank accounts. On the flip side, if you mailed a paper return, you will need a bit more patience. Those take longer to be received, reviewed, and processed by hand.
Why are some refunds delayed in 2025?
You might be wondering, “Why is my refund taking so long?” Well, there are a few reasons.
The IRS is still facing staffing challenges, despite efforts to rebuild after budget cuts in past years. On top of that, paper returns slow everything down. If you mailed in your documents, there is a good chance they just reached the IRS recently, and someone still needs to manually sort through your return.
Another delay can come from errors or incomplete information on your return. If you made a mistake or forgot a document, your refund could be held up while the IRS reaches out for clarification.
Who’s likely to get their refunds first?
You are probably asking: “Am I next?”
Here is a breakdown of who tends to receive refunds the fastest:
- E-filers who selected direct deposit: If this is you, you could already see money coming your way within 21 days of filing.
- Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC): These returns are given extra review under federal law, but many are starting to process now.
- Early filers: If you filed in January or February, you are probably closer to the top of the queue.
- Those with simple returns: Fewer complications mean faster processing.
If you fall into any of these groups, you might already be on the IRS’s payout list.
How can I track my 2025 IRS refund?
The good news is that tracking your refund is easier than ever. The IRS offers a tool called “Where’s My Refund?” on their website. You can also use the IRS2Go app on your phone.
To check your status, you will need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your filing status
- Your exact refund amount
Once you plug that in, you will see one of three stages: Return Received, Refund Approved, or Refund Sent. If you are still in “received” status, do not worry—things are moving, just not instantaneously.
What if you filed an extension?
If you filed for an extension this year, keep in mind your refund will not be processed until you actually file your return. Extensions give you more time to file, not more time to pay or delay processing. So, the sooner you submit, the sooner you will be added to the refund list.
