IRS Refund Tracker: How Soon Will Your Money Arrive?

The IRS kicked off the 2025 tax season on January 27, expecting to process over 140 million tax returns by the April 15 deadline. If you’re one of the many wondering, Where’s my refund?—you’re not alone.

How Fast Are Refunds Coming?

In just the first week of tax season, the IRS processed 11.7 million returns. About 28% of those taxpayers have seen direct deposit refunds hit their accounts. Not bad, right?

Thanks to recent investments in customer service, the IRS is in a stronger position this year, which should mean fewer delays. But with ongoing government shake-ups and budget cuts, who really knows?

How to Track Your Tax Refund

Want to check your refund status? The IRS has a handy Where’s My Refund tool that updates about 24 hours after you file electronically.

Here’s what you’ll need:
✔ Your Social Security number
✔ Your filing status
✔ The exact refund amount listed on your return

Once you enter your info, you’ll see your return’s progress through three stages:
1️⃣ Received (IRS has your return and is processing it)
2️⃣ Approved (Refund is on its way)
3️⃣ Sent (Money has been deposited or check is in the mail)

When Will You Get Your Refund?

Most refunds hit bank accounts within 21 days of filing—as long as you e-file and opt for direct deposit.

But heads up: If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your refund won’t be issued until after February 15 (thank the PATH Act of 2015 for that one). If that’s you, expect your money in early March.

Even though most refunds hit bank accounts within three weeks, some taxpayers may face delays. Here’s why:

• Paper Returns Take Forever – If you went old-school and mailed your return, expect a 6-8 week wait instead of the usual 21 days. E-filing is much faster.
• EITC or ACTC Claims – If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your refund won’t be processed until mid-February, thanks to federal regulations.
• Errors or Missing Info – Mistakes, incomplete details, or anything that doesn’t quite add up? Your return could get flagged for manual review, adding weeks or even months to your wait.
• Bank Processing Times – Even if the IRS sends your refund on time, some banks take 1-5 extra days to actually deposit the money.
• Identity Verification Issues – If the IRS suspects fraud, they might ask you to verify your identity before releasing your refund—another potential delay.

If your refund is taking longer than expected, double-check your filing method, bank info, and IRS notifications to see if there’s a holdup.

Free Filing Options in 2025

Good news! The IRS has expanded its Direct File program, now available in 25 states (up from just 12 last year). If you have a simple tax return, this free tool could save you some cash.

However, it’s not for everyone. If you have gig work, rental income, or make over $200,000, you’ll need another filing method.

IRS Funding Cuts: Will It Affect You?

After getting an $80 billion boost from the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, the IRS started hiring and upgrading its outdated systems. But Congress has since clawed back $40 billion—which means fewer resources for customer service and enforcement.

Some experts warn of future hiring freezes, slower processing times, and longer waits for help. The IRS says Direct File is here to stay, but recent political moves may put that in jeopardy.

If you’re waiting on a refund, check the IRS tracker and be patient—especially if you’re claiming certain credits. The good news? Most people will see their money within three weeks. The bad news? With ongoing budget battles, who knows what future tax seasons will look like?