The IRS refund process for tax year 2024—filed in 2025—is well underway, and millions of Americans are either waiting for their money or trying to plan their finances based on projected refund timelines. Knowing the key deadlines, potential delays, and the average refund amounts can help you stay informed and avoid surprises.
Here’s what you need to know about how IRS refunds are working in 2025, especially if you’ve filed your tax return—or plan to soon.
IRS Filing Deadlines for 2025
Filing season opened: January 27, 2025
Standard filing deadline: April 15, 2025
Extended deadline for disaster-affected states (AL, FL, GA, NC, SC): May 1, 2025
Extended deadline for approved extensions: October 15, 2025
If you requested a tax extension, remember: you must have paid any owed taxes by April 15 to avoid interest or penalties. The extension only gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.
When Will You Get Your IRS Tax Refund?
For most taxpayers, the IRS issues refunds within 21 calendar days of accepting an electronically filed return. Refunds began rolling out in mid-February for early filers.
Refund timelines depend heavily on:
How you filed (electronic vs. paper)
How you chose to receive your refund (direct deposit vs. mailed check)
Whether your return includes credits that require extra verification
| Filing Method | Direct Deposit Refund | Mailed Check Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Filed Jan 27 (accepted) | Feb 17, 2025 | Mar 28, 2025 |
| Filed by Apr 15 deadline | May 6, 2025 | Jun 16, 2025 |
| Filed with Oct 15 extension | Nov 5, 2025 | Nov 24, 2025 |
Note: These are estimates, and actual deposit times may vary based on errors, audits, or IRS workload.
Average Refund Amount in 2025
The average IRS tax refund for tax year 2024 (filed in 2025) is approximately $2,825. However, your refund may be more or less depending on:
Total income
Filing status
Deductions claimed
Tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Why Your Refund Might Be Delayed
Several common issues can cause your IRS refund to take longer than 21 days:
Filing a paper return
Choosing a mailed check
Claiming refundable credits (EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit)
Errors on your return (incorrect income, missing info)
Existing tax debts or offsets
Filing during peak season (March–April)
In particular, refunds that include EITC or Additional CTC are often delayed until early March due to fraud prevention checks.
Claiming the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit Deadline Has Passed
While regular refunds for the 2024 tax year can be claimed until 2028, there are exceptions:
April 15, 2025, was the final deadline to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit.
Unclaimed credits past this deadline revert to the U.S. Treasury, and you can no longer request them.
The IRS refund system for 2025 is mostly smooth for those who file early and electronically, with direct deposit being the fastest method. However, returns filed later in the season or with certain tax credits may experience delays due to processing checks or IRS backlog.
While the average refund is $2,825, it’s important to file accurately and on time to avoid missing out on valuable credits and to ensure the fastest possible refund.
