IRS Official Announcement – Here Is the 2025 Tax Refund Calendar

As we approach the end of the year, tax season is looming, and for many, it’s a time of stress and anticipation. One of the most common questions during this period is, “When will I get my refund?” or “Where’s the IRS tax refund calendar?” Thankfully, the IRS has made significant changes to its processes over the past few years, aiming to make filing and receiving refunds faster and easier for taxpayers.

With improvements like the IRS’s free e-file system, Direct File, the agency has drastically reduced refund times for the majority of taxpayers, making the process smoother than in years past. Let’s look into what you can expect when filing your taxes in 2025.

Filing Taxes

While the IRS has not yet announced the official start of the 2025 tax season, experts predict that the agency will begin accepting e-filed tax returns around January 21. The deadline for personal tax returns is expected to remain the same as previous years: April 15.

Filing Online vs. Mailing

For those filing electronically, the process is generally faster, especially with systems like Direct File. If you choose direct deposit, you could receive your refund in as little as eight days. In fact, in 2024, the IRS issued refunds within 21 days for 90% of taxpayers who e-filed their returns. These numbers are expected to hold true for the 2025 season, as the IRS expands access to Direct File for even more households.

If you prefer to file your tax return by mail, however, the timeline is a bit longer. While you can mail your return as early as January 1, it may take up to 12 weeks to process because it requires manual handling. Delays are common with mailed returns, particularly when the IRS is handling a large volume of them.

Common Delays

It’s a common belief that filing your taxes early will lead to a faster refund. However, this isn’t always the case, particularly if your return includes certain tax credits. Due to the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015, taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) will experience delays, regardless of how early they file. The IRS is legally required to hold these refunds until at least February 15.

This rule is in place to prevent fraud by giving the IRS additional time to verify that no duplicate returns have been filed and that credits are distributed to the rightful recipients.

Delays After Filing Extensions

Another source of refund delays occurs when taxpayers file for an extension. Tax extensions are typically requested for more complex filings, which often require further review. As a result, the processing time may be longer. However, if everything is in order, you should still receive your refund within 21 days after filing, even with an extension. The deadline for submitting your tax return after an extension is October 15, and if no additional issues arise, your refund should follow shortly thereafter.

Tracking Your Refund

If you’re concerned about the status of your refund after filing, the IRS has a tool called “Get Refund Status” available on their website. This tool allows you to track your refund and see exactly where it is in the process. It’s a simple way to stay informed and avoid unnecessary worry.

Key Tax Dates

Event	Date	Processing Time
IRS starts accepting returns	Around January 21, 2025	Varies; typically 21 days
Deadline for filing taxes	April 15, 2025	N/A
Mailing paper returns	January 1, 2025	Up to 12 weeks
EITC/ACTC refund release	After February 15, 2025	21 days from acceptance
Extension filing deadline	October 15, 2025	Refund in 21 days (if applicable)

The IRS has worked to streamline the tax filing process, making it easier for most Americans to file their taxes and receive refunds quickly. While there may be some delays due to specific tax credits or if you file an extension, most taxpayers can expect a relatively quick and hassle-free experience in 2025.

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