Where’s My Refund? – Tax Updates & Resources for Taxpayers

IRS Where’s My Refund? Tax News and Information! Here you’ll find the best tax tips, helpful tax information, and incredibly useful tools!

Where’s My Refund? Tax Refund Updates

When can I file my 2024 tax return?

While the IRS officially begins approving 2024 tax returns on (TBA) January 27, 2025, numerous tax software programs enable you to complete and “file” your return as early as January 2, 2025. Subsequently, these tax programs and software will securely hold your returns until the IRS initiates the acceptance process.

When are 2024 taxes due?

The deadline to submit your 2024 tax return and settle your tax bill is ‪Tuesday, April 15, 2025.‬ Need more time? You can file for an extension, but remember, filing sooner means getting your tax refund sooner.

How long does it take to process a tax return?

While most federal tax returns are typically processed within 21 days, some may take longer. For the quickest refund, submit your return electronically with direct deposit. If you opted for a paper submission and anticipate a refund, please be aware that processing times may extend to 6 months or more.

How long does it take to receive my tax refund?

After the IRS receives your tax refund, the timing of its arrival can be influenced by various factors. While most refunds are issued within 21 days, it’s essential to note that specific dates cannot be guaranteed. This is especially crucial for those planning purchases or paying bills. Some returns may undergo further review, leading to extended processing times. The IRS may conduct additional scrutiny if potential errors, missing information, forms, or suspicions of tax fraud or identity theft arise. Your patience is appreciated during this processing period.

Some tax returns could take longer to process than others for many reasons, including when a return:

• Is filed on paper
• Includes errors, such as incorrect Recovery Rebate Credit
• Is incomplete
• Needs further review in general
• Is affected by identity theft or fraud
• Includes a claim filed for an Earned Income Tax Credit or an Additional Child Tax Credit.
• Includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, which could take up to 14 weeks to process

Are there any expected tax refund delays?

Yes. The IRS is required to hold tax refunds for taxpayers who claim Earned Income Tax Credits and Additional Child Tax credits until at least Feb. 15, 2025. Please keep in mind it can still take a week to receive a refund after the IRS releases it. So some people who file early may experience delays while awaiting their refund. Refunds should be processed normally after this date. Also, new identity theft protection and anti-fraud measures may hold up some refunds, as some tax returns may be held for further review.

2025 IRS E-File Schedule for Direct Deposit and Check Refund Dates

In previous years, the IRS would publish a refund cycle chart showing when a particular tax return would be deposited into a taxpayer’s bank account if they elected Direct Deposit of their refund. This was true if the return was electronically filed and a refund was due to the taxpayer.  However, as a result of numerous fraud issues that have plagued the IRS community over the recent past, they have discontinued the use of this “Refund Cycle” chart, and Publication 2043 has been revised.

Check out our 2025 Tax Refund Schedule for an Estimated Direct Deposit Date Here!

Publication 2043 “IRS E-file Refund Cycle Chart” has been renamed “IRS Refund Information Guidelines for the Tax Preparation Community.” The new Publication 2043 is no longer a chart showing the refund cycle time frames. Instead, it provides guidance for taxpayers to check on their refunds. Taxpayers can also go on the IRS website and search “Where’s My Refund” to find information.

*RETURNS THAT CLAIM EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT OR ADDITIONAL CHILD TAX CREDIT MUST BE HELD UNTIL FEB. 15, AND IRS ANTICIPATES REFUNDS WON’T BE DIRECTLY DEPOSITED INTO SOME TAXPAYERS ACCOUNTS UNTIL THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH.

It’s crucial to emphasize that the IRS explicitly advises against basing financial plans on an anticipated refund date. No tax schedule, regardless of the source, can provide a guaranteed date for your refund. While estimates can aid in your planning, it’s wise to maintain flexibility, allowing for unforeseen circumstances during the tax season.

2025 Tax Filing Season Important Dates & Deadlines

The table below shows the 2025 deadlines for filing 2024 tax returns and requesting extensions. An important point to note is that while you can file your taxes anytime after the beginning of the year, the IRS will not process any returns (paper or electronic) until IRS e-File goes live.

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