Millions of Americans are set to receive their IRS tax refunds starting in April 2025. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began the tax filing season on January 27, expecting over 140 million individual tax returns this year. Most taxpayers who filed electronically and chose Direct Deposit should get their refund within 21 days, unless there are errors or delays in the process.
But not everyone will get paid at the same time. Let’s look at who gets their refund fast, who may face delays, and how to track your payment.
Who Will Receive Tax Refunds First in April 2025?
If you filed your taxes early in the season and selected Direct Deposit, your refund may already be on its way by early April. Most taxpayers who e-file receive their payment within three weeks, as long as everything on the return is correct.
Here’s who is likely to get their refunds quickly:
- Filed taxes electronically
- Used Direct Deposit
- Submitted returns before mid-March
- Had no missing or incorrect information
Delays for Late Filers and Paper Returns
If you file close to the April 15 deadline, your refund might take longer. Returns sent later in the season are processed slower due to the high number of last-minute filers.
Other reasons for delay include:
- Paper returns, which take 4 to 8 weeks to process
- Amended returns, which take around 20 weeks
- Extension requests, which delay processing until after April 15
Those who request an extension until October 15, 2025, will see their refund processed only after their return is received, with payments possibly taking up to 8 weeks or longer.
Why Are Some Refunds Delayed by Law?
Under the PATH Act, the IRS is not allowed to issue refunds before mid-February if your return includes:
Even if only part of your refund includes these credits, the IRS will withhold the full amount until reviews are complete. Mistakes or missing documents can further delay these payments.
How to Avoid Tax Refund Delays
To get your refund quickly, double-check your:
- Social Security number
- Bank account details
- Spelling of names
- Reported income and withholdings
Even small errors or typos can cause serious delays. About 15% of returns need manual review, which can take up to 120 days.
How to Track Your Refund Online
You can check the status of your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund” tool at IRS.gov:
- For electronic returns: status available 24 hours after filing
- For paper returns: updates appear after 4 weeks
The tool also shows if there are errors or actions needed, like verifying your identity or correcting information.