When to Expect Your IRS Tax Refund and How to Track It

The 2025 tax return filing season officially commenced on January 27, prompting many taxpayers to consider the possibility of tax refunds.

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), by January 31, over 13 million returns had been processed, and 3 million refunds were already issued.

What is a Tax Refund?

Triple Benefit Alert: $1,000, $2,000, & $3,500 Payments Arriving In March 2025

A tax refund occurs when taxpayers have overpaid their income taxes, and the government reimburses them the extra amount. Essentially, if you’ve paid more than what you owe in taxes, the IRS sends the surplus back to you.

Why Is My Tax Refund Large or Small?

If you receive a large tax refund, it may indicate that too much is being withheld from your paycheck throughout the year.

Employers use the W-4 form, also known as the Employee’s Withholding Certificate, to determine how much federal income tax to deduct from your wages. This withholding directly affects your federal tax refund.

Australia Pension Overhaul 2025- New Rates, Eligibility Updates, And Other Benefits Unveiled

If your tax refund seems too large or too small, the IRS offers a useful tool called the Tax Withholding Estimator. This allows taxpayers to adjust their tax payments for the upcoming year to ensure the correct amount is withheld.

It’s important to note that taxpayers have a three-year window to claim a tax refund if they are owed one.

Tax Refunds: 2024 Filing Season Overview

For the 2024 tax season (tax year 2023), the IRS reported that the average tax refund was approximately $3,138.

IRS Tax Refunds 2025 – Expected Payment Dates And Details

By the end of December, over 105 million refunds had been processed, totaling more than $329 billion in tax refunds.

When Will You Receive Your Tax Refund?

The IRS typically processes tax returns filed online within 21 days. However, if the return requires corrections or additional review, it may take longer to receive your refund.

For paper returns, the refund process can take four weeks or more.

Taxpayers can expedite the process by choosing direct deposit. This method sends the refund directly into your bank account, speeding up the delivery time.

Tracking Your Tax Refund: How to Stay Updated

The IRS provides a handy tool called “Where’s My Refund?” that allows taxpayers to track the status of their tax refunds. This tool is available on the IRS website and offers real-time updates on your refund.

For those who prefer to speak with someone, the IRS also operates a help hotline at 800-829-1954 for general inquiries. If you filed an amended return, meaning you corrected a mistake on your taxes, you can call 866-464-2050 for more specific guidance.

To use either service, be ready to provide:

• Your social security number
• Your tax filing status
• The exact refund amount on your return

Taxpayers can see one of three status updates:

1. Received Return – The IRS has received your return.
2. Refund Approved – Your refund has been approved.
3. Refund Sent – Your refund has been sent, and it could take up to 5 days for the funds to appear in your bank account or several weeks if a check is mailed.

The 2025 tax season is well underway, and understanding how tax refunds work can help ensure you receive the amount you’re owed in a timely manner. Remember that you have the tools to track your refund and adjust your withholding for next year to avoid any surprises.

Whether you prefer online tools or a direct deposit, the IRS offers several convenient ways to monitor your refund status and receive your payment.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a tax refund?

Refunds for online returns typically take up to 21 days, while paper returns may take 4 weeks or more.

Can I track my tax refund?

Yes, you can track your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or by calling the IRS hotline at 800-829-1954.

What happens if my refund is too large or too small?

If your refund is too large or small, you can adjust your withholding using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator.