IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule for 2025 – Could IRS Layoffs Delay Refunds?

IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule for 2025: Tax season has officially begun, but taxpayers and tax preparers like CPAs and accountants may face additional challenges this year, potentially causing delays in income tax refunds.

The IRS started accepting income tax returns on January 27, 2025, marking the official start of tax filing season.

While tax filing is often met with dread, many Americans eagerly await their refunds.

If you’re wondering how long it will take to receive your refund after submitting your return, you’re not alone.

For years, the most common question has been: “When will I get my tax refund?” While no one can give a precise answer this early in the process, we can provide an estimate based on several factors and the 50 years of collective experience from the CPA Practice Advisor team.

If you’re wondering when to expect your refund, simply refer to the easy-to-follow chart below for an estimate.

It’s important to remember that you should wait to file until you have all necessary tax forms from employers, schools, mortgage companies, and other relevant entities.

If your finances are complex, such as changes in marital status, a new child, retirement, or foreign assets, consulting a tax professional is advisable to ensure compliance and to take full advantage of potential deductions and credits.

For most people with simpler taxes—such as one or two jobs, perhaps a side gig, and a few credits—here’s a general guideline.

If you have multiple forms of income or other specific circumstances, such as certain credits (Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit), it may take longer to gather your documents, which could delay filing.

The chart below will help you estimate when to expect your refund. We will update it if there are any changes in tax law or refund dates. Keep in mind, these are estimates and not exact dates, as every taxpayer’s situation is unique.

Note that the first column reflects when the IRS accepts your return, which could be 2-3 days after submission. If you’re mailing a paper return, expect an additional 3-4 weeks delay at the beginning of the process due to manual entry into the IRS system.

Estimated 2025 IRS Income Tax Return Chart

** = Returns with EITC or CTC may have refunds delayed until March to verify credits.

*** = Filing during peak season (late March through April 15) can result in slightly longer waits.

What to Do If Your IRS Income Tax Refund is Delayed

If your IRS income tax refund is delayed after filing, you can check the status of your refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or by downloading the IRS2Go app. For personalized help, reach out to your tax professional. E-filing your tax return as soon as you have all necessary documents (like W-2s, 1099s, and mortgage or student loan interest forms) can generally lead to a quicker processing time.

Several factors can impact when you’ll receive your tax refund, such as:

• How early you file your return
• If you’re claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Whether you file electronically or by mail
• Whether you owe any debts to the federal government

How to Track Your IRS Income Tax Refund Schedule for 2025?

Waiting for your tax refund? We get it—it’s always nice to get some extra cash back! Here’s how you can easily track your refund status using official IRS tools.

1️⃣ “Where’s My Refund?” Online Tool

The fastest way to check your refund status! Just visit the IRS Refund Tracker and enter:
✔️ Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
✔️ Your filing status
✔️ The exact refund amount

🔄 Updates are available within 24 hours for e-filed returns and four weeks for paper returns.

2️⃣ IRS2Go Mobile App 📲

Prefer tracking on the go? Download IRS2Go (available on iOS & Android) to:
✅ Get real-time refund updates
✅ Access tax-filing help
✅ Find free tax preparation services

3️⃣ IRS Telephone Assistance ☎️

If you’d rather talk to a real person, you can call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with an IRS representative.
⚠️ Heads up: Expect long wait times—especially during peak tax season!

Be Safe – Hire a Professional

Working with a tax professional, like a CPA or EA, ensures that your taxes are filed correctly and on time. They can also give you a more accurate refund estimate and may help you save money or increase your refund.

There are also mobile apps available for both Apple and Android devices to help you track your refund status.

What If You Can’t File Your Taxes By April 15?

If you’re unable to file your tax return by April 15 for any reason, you can request an extension by filing Form 4868, which gives you an automatic extension until October 15, 2025, to file. This extension is granted without needing a reason. Be sure to check your state’s extension rules, as they may differ from the federal deadline.

However, if you owe taxes, they must still be paid by April 15, 2025, even if you’ve requested an extension to file. A tax professional can assist with your payment, while those expecting a refund only need to file the extension by the due date.

Most tax professionals and DIY tax software can help you file for an extension easily.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)