2025 IRS Tax Refund Schedule: When to Expect a Tax Refund

The IRS announced the 2025 tax filing season begins Monday, January 27, 2025. They expect 140 million tax returns by the April 15th deadline.

Here are some tips to help you file your taxes fast—and get your tax return even faster.  

New Changes for the 2025 Tax Filing Season 

Standard Deduction Increases 

For the 2025 tax year, the standard deduction amounts are: 

• Single Filers: $15,000 (an increase of $400 from 2024) 

• Married Filing Jointly: $30,000 (an increase of $800 from 2024) 

• Heads of Household: $22,500 (an increase of $600 from 2024) 

Get all 2025 IRS tax inflation adjustments here. 

Form 1099-K: Payment Card & Third-Party Network Transaction

In 2025, Form 1099-K's threshold is $5,000.  

In other words, payment apps, online marketplaces, and credit card companies are required to send Form 1099-K to those who received payments for goods or services totaling $5,000 or more. This form must be sent by January 31.  

It’s worth noting this threshold applies to each network individually, meaning transactions on one network (PayPal, for example) must total $5,000 or more. Totals across multiple networks (Etsy and eBay, for example) are not combined.  

Form 1099-K tracks income made from payment processors like PayPal, Venmo, and credit card companies. It also applies to platforms like eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace.  

The IRS has gradually implemented a new, lower threshold for Form 1099-K. In 2025, Form 1099-K's threshold is $5,000 over any one of these platforms. In 2026 (for tax year 2025), that threshold will drop to $2,500. And beginning tax year 2026 and beyond, Form 1099-K's threshold will become $600. 

Direct File Expands to 25 States 

The IRS has made Direct File a permanent free option for filing federal tax returns for taxpayers in participating states with relatively simple tax returns. Direct File opens January 27, 2025.  

This year, Direct File expanded from 12 states last year to now 25 participating states, which includes: 

• Alaska 

• Arizona 

• California 

• Connecticut 

• Florida 

• Idaho 

• Illinois 

• Kansas 

• Maine 

• Maryland 

• Massachusetts 

• Nevada 

• New Hampshire 

• New Jersey 

• New Mexico 

• New York 

• North Carolina 

• Oregon 

• Pennsylvania 

• South Dakota 

• Tennessee 

• Texas 

• Washington state 

• Wisconsin 

• Wyoming 

You cannot use Direct File if you did not live in one of these states for all of 2024.

Check your eligibility for Direct File here. 

Extended Deadlines for Victims of Natural Disasters

How to Get Your 2025 Tax Refund as Fast as Possible

 The sooner you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund.

The IRS expects to receive around 140 million tax returns in 2025. Most of these tax returns will likely be filed in mid-March through the April 15th deadline. If you file your tax returns during this time, your tax refund may be delayed due to the sheer number the IRS has to process.  

Most tax refunds are issued in 3 weeks. But a lot can impact this timing.   

Here’s what you can do to get your tax refund as fast as possible: 

• File your tax returns electronically – IRS receives and can process your electronic tax return much faster than a paper tax return 

• Use direct deposit to receive your refund – 9 out of 10 taxpayers that select direct deposit receive their refund in less than 3 weeks. The IRS also allows for direct deposits across up to three bank accounts.  

• Ensure your tax information is accurate – The most common reason for a tax return delay is a filing error.  

When filing, always double check the following information to avoid any tax return delays: 

• Identifying numbers (SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)) for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents 

• Information for all dependents 

• Routing and account numbers for direct deposit (IRS allows up to three accounts for direct deposit) 

• Electronic signature confirming accuracy of all information on tax return 

While these are the most common missteps, reviewing all the information to ensure accuracy is one of the best things you can do to ensure you get your 2025 tax refund as fast as possible. 

2025 IRS Tax Refund Schedule Chart & Payment Calendar

The tax refund schedule chart and calendar below are based on IRS guidance and historical trends. Both have been updated for the 2025 tax filing season.  

The tax refund and payment calendar below are meant to serve as a quick reference to estimate when you might get your tax refund bused on when it was filed. 

Important Dates for the 2025 Tax Filing Season

January 27, 2025: IRS begins processing tax returns for the 2025 tax filing season. 

April 15, 2025: Tax filing & tax extension request deadlines.   

May 1, 2025: Extended deadline for AL, FL, GA, NC, SC & parts of AK, NM, TN, VI, WV.  

October 15, 2025: Tax return deadline for extension filers. Extended deadline for California wildfire victims.

2025 IRS Tax Refund Schedule Chart

How fast you get your tax refund depends on how your tax return was filed and your chosen payment method.

The tax refund schedule chart below lists estimated delivery times based on the filing method and refund type.

2025 IRS Refund Payment Calendar 

More than 90% of tax refunds are delivered less than 21 days after tax returns are processed.  

The tax refund payment calendar below offers a rough estimate of when to expect a tax refund by direct deposit (approximately 14 days) and paper check by mail (approximately 21 days). 

Refunds may be delayed if filed in mid-March through the April 15th deadline because most of the 140 million tax returns expected in 2025 will be filed around this time.

 * During peak tax filing season (Mid-March through April), the IRS may take longer to process tax returns. 

Where's My Refund? How to Track Your 2025 IRS Tax Refund Status

The IRS has created two free tools to help you track your 2025 tax refund status:

• The Where’s My Refund? tool, available on the IRS website

• The IRS2Go mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices

For the most up-to-date status on your tax refund, the IRS recommends using Where’s My Refund, which they recently updated to offer more detailed notifications on your refund status. As a result of these updates, the IRS only recommends calling them about your refund if Where’s My Refund recommends it.

To check the status of your tax refund using either of these tools listed above, you will need:

• Social Security number OR Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

• Your filing status (married, single, or head of household)

• The exact amount of your tax refund listed on your tax return

  
  

Credentialed Tax Preparers Can Help

Tax professionals can help if a filing becomes overwhelming, you’d rather save time, or you want the peace of mind that your filing is correct. Whatever the reason, turning to a credentialed tax preparer is among the best ways to ensure the accuracy of your filing and the swiftness of your refund.

To help taxpayers find qualified tax return preparers in their area, the IRS crated a public directory of credentialed tax professionals in their Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications. Here, you’ll find attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, and Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion recipients.

The IRS created the Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) to offer ambitious tax return preparers an additional, IRS-endorsed professional credential for voluntarily completing AFSP continuing education.

More complicated tax returns may require the insight of an enrolled agent, attorney, or CPA. These tax professionals have unlimited representation rights, meaning they can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collections, and appeals. AFSP credentialed tax preparers have limited representation rights. While tax preparers not listed in the IRS directory may be able to help you file your taxes, they will not be able to represent you if the IRS finds any problems with your return. The peace of mind credentialed tax preparers offer is invaluable during this short but hectic season.

While we hope this guide can help you navigate your own filing, sometimes it helps to have the insight and peace of mind that comes from working closely with a credentialed tax professional. With their expertise, you can rest assured your taxes are in capable hands.