Tax season is here, and millions of Americans are eager to know when their IRS refund will hit their bank account. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has already begun processing returns for 2025, and if you filed early, you might be among those getting paid in the first week of April 2025.
Let’s explore the payment schedule, who’s first in line for refunds, how to track your money, and the fastest way to get your refund.
IRS Refund Schedule 2025: When Will You Get Paid?
The IRS aims to issue most refunds within 21 days of accepting a return. However, filing date, refund method, and return accuracy all influence when the money lands in your account.
If you:
- E-filed your return between March 10 and March 17, 2025
- Chose direct deposit
- Filed a clean and accurate return
Then you’re likely to receive your tax refund during the first week of April, between April 1 and April 7, 2025.
Refund Delivery Timeline
Here’s a snapshot of when you can expect your refund depending on how you filed:
| Filing Method | Refund Method | Estimated Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| E-file | Direct Deposit | 1–3 weeks (Fastest) |
| E-file | Paper Check | 3–4 weeks |
| Paper Filing | Direct Deposit | 4–6 weeks |
| Paper Filing | Paper Check | 6–8 weeks (Slowest) |
If your return was accepted by March 17 and you used direct deposit, the Internal Revenue Service could pay you between April 1–7, 2025.
Factors That May Delay Your Refund
While the Internal Revenue Service issues most refunds on time, a few things can delay your money:
- Errors or typos on your tax return
- Missing or incorrect banking info
- Claims for certain credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- Paper filings that take longer to process
- Refund offsets for overdue debts (like taxes or child support)
Filing early, accurately, and electronically helps you avoid these setbacks.
How to Track Your IRS Refund
Once your return is filed, the Internal Revenue Service offers an online tracking tool called “Where’s My Refund?” It updates daily and lets you check your refund’s status in three stages:
- Return Received
- Refund Approved
- Refund Sent
To use it, you’ll need:
- Your Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN
- Your filing status
- The exact refund amount on your return
This tool gives the most up-to-date status—check it 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
Quick Tips to Get Your Refund Faster
Want your money faster? Follow these tips:
- File early and electronically
- Choose direct deposit for payment
- Double-check your return for accuracy
- Avoid claiming credits that require extra verification unless eligible
- Use IRS Free File if your income qualifies
These simple steps can reduce processing time and get your refund to you as soon as possible.
If you filed early and chose direct deposit, you could be among the lucky Americans receiving your IRS tax refund in the first week of April 2025.
Stay on top of your refund status by using IRS tools and make sure your return is accurate to avoid delays. Your money could be just days away—so get ready to check your bank account!
FAQs
I filed early but haven’t received my refund. What should I do?
Check the “Where’s My Refund?” tracker. If it’s been over 21 days since your e-file was accepted and there’s no update, you may need to contact the IRS.
Can I update my bank details after filing?
No. Once your return is filed, you can’t change your refund method. If the deposit fails, the IRS will mail a paper check.
Will everyone get paid in early April?
Only taxpayers who e-filed between March 10–17, opted for direct deposit, and had no return issues are likely to be paid in the first week of April.