As the 2024/2025 tax season officially concluded at the end of April, many taxpayers across the U.S. are now eagerly awaiting their IRS tax refunds.
Depending on whether you submitted your return electronically or through traditional mail, your refund may be on its way in the coming days.
Given the ongoing high cost of living, many individuals and families are counting on their refunds for a much-needed financial lift.
Fastest Methods to Receive Your IRS Refund
Use E-Filing and Direct Deposit for Speed
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), choosing electronic filing paired with direct deposit is the most efficient way to receive your refund.
Those who file using this method can typically expect their refunds within 10 to 21 days.
On the other hand, selecting a paper check via mail adds considerable delay. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Filing Method | Refund Delivery Method | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| E-filing + Direct Deposit | Bank Deposit | 1 to 3 weeks |
| E-filing + Check by Mail | Physical Check | Up to 1 month |
| Paper Return + Direct Deposit | Bank Deposit | Around 3 weeks |
| Paper Return + Check by Mail | Physical Check | Up to 2 months |
Not Everyone Is Entitled to a Refund
It’s worth noting that not all taxpayers will receive a refund. If your total tax payments matched your tax liability, or if you owe any amount to the federal or state government, your refund may be reduced or withheld entirely.
Delays in IRS Processing This Year
This year’s IRS refund processing schedule has been under pressure due to staffing cuts. The Trump Administration’s 31% reduction in IRS auditors contributed to delays.
“Much of the IRS workforce is outside of the Washington, D.C., area, which means these layoffs are disrupting their local economies and hurting middle-income families in every state,” stated Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union.
Average Refund Amount for 2024/2025
For the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the average tax refund issued stands at $2,939, a slight increase compared to last year’s $2,869.
The IRS has processed a total of 143,556,000 returns, distributing $274.979 billion in refunds—a 2% rise from the previous year.
When Will You Receive Your Refund?
If you filed electronically and selected direct deposit, your refund could arrive as soon as next week. Even those who submitted returns by mail and chose direct deposit may see their payments soon.
However, paper checks typically take longer, especially when combined with mailed returns.
Track Your Refund Status Online
You can easily check the progress of your refund using the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. This digital resource:
- Is available 24/7
- Updates once per day
- Allows e-filers to check status within 24 hours of submission
- Requires 4 weeks wait time for mailed returns
Information Needed to Track Your Refund:
- Your Social Security number
- Your filing status
- The exact refund amount on your return
With the tax season now concluded, millions of Americans are starting to receive their refunds, averaging $2,939 this year.
To speed up the process in future tax years, consider electronic filing and direct deposit. If you’re still waiting, use the IRS online tracking tool to monitor your refund’s status and ensure all your information is accurate.
FAQs
When can I expect my tax refund if I e-filed and chose direct deposit?
Most taxpayers using e-filing and direct deposit will receive their refund within 10 to 21 days of filing.
Why hasn’t my refund arrived yet?
Your refund may be delayed if you filed by mail, opted for a paper check, or owe money to the government.
How do I track my IRS refund?
Use the IRS Where’s My Refund tool online. Ensure you have your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount.