IRS Refund Schedule for 2025: When to Expect Your Direct Deposit or Paper Check
As the tax season wraps up, taxpayers are eager to know when they can expect their refund. The IRS offers different refund timelines based on how you file and the payment method you choose. If you’ve filed for your 2025 tax return and are anticipating a refund, here’s what you need to know about when to expect your payment.
Key Dates for Tax Refunds in 2025
If you file your tax return electronically after April 16, 2025, you can expect your refund via direct deposit within 21 days. However, paper check refunds take longer—6 to 8 weeks—so it’s essential to plan ahead if you’ve opted for a paper check. The IRS offers a helpful Refund Schedule to guide when you can expect your refund.
Here’s a breakdown of the Refund Schedule for both Direct Deposit and Paper Check refunds:
| Filing Date | Refund (Direct Deposit) | Refund (Paper Check) |
|---|---|---|
| April 16, 2025 | May 7, 2025 | May 28 – June 11, 2025 |
| May 1, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | June 12 – June 26, 2025 |
| May 15, 2025 | June 5, 2025 | June 26 – July 10, 2025 |
| June 1, 2025 | June 22, 2025 | July 13 – July 27, 2025 |
| June 15, 2025 | July 6, 2025 | July 27 – August 10, 2025 |
| July 1, 2025 | July 22, 2025 | August 12 – August 26, 2025 |
| July 15, 2025 | August 5, 2025 | August 26 – September 9, 2025 |
| August 1, 2025 | August 22, 2025 | September 12 – September 26, 2025 |
| August 15, 2025 | September 5, 2025 | September 26 – October 10, 2025 |
| September 1, 2025 | September 22, 2025 | October 13 – October 27, 2025 |
| September 15, 2025 | October 6, 2025 | October 27 – November 10, 2025 |
| October 1, 2025 | October 22, 2025 | November 13 – November 27, 2025 |
| October 15, 2025 | November 5, 2025 | November 26 – December 10, 2025 |
Checking Your Refund Status
Once you’ve filed your tax return, you’ll want to keep track of your refund status. The IRS provides an easy way to check on your refund:
- Go to the IRS Website: Visit IRS.gov and find the “Get Your Refund Status” option under the “How can we help you?” section.
- Access the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ Tool: Click on the “Check Your Refund” option, which will redirect you to the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
- Enter Your Details: Provide your Social Security Number (SSN), Tax Year, Filing Status, and Refund Amount to track your refund.
For e-filed returns, refund status is updated within 24 hours, while paper-filed returns may take up to four weeks to show updates.
Understanding the Refund Stages
The IRS tracks your refund through the following stages:
- Received: The IRS has received your federal tax return but is still reviewing it.
- Accepted: The IRS has accepted your return, but the refund has not yet been processed.
- Sent: The IRS has issued the refund, either by direct deposit or paper check.
Direct deposits typically appear in your bank account within 72 hours after being sent. Paper checks, however, can take up to four weeks to be received.
What If Your Refund Is Delayed?
If you’ve checked your refund status and it’s still pending after the expected timeframe, here’s what you should do:
- Verify the Status: Use the IRS tools to check whether your refund has been sent. Ensure that the required time has passed before reaching out.
- Contact the IRS: If your refund is still delayed past the expected date, contact the IRS to inquire about the issue. For direct deposit, ensure no issues with your bank account. For paper checks, make sure the check hasn’t been stolen.
- Report Stolen Refund Checks: If you believe your paper check has been stolen, you must report it to the IRS and file a complaint to prevent further issues.
Expecting a Refund for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)?
If you’re claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) for tax year 2024, your refund will follow the same schedule as detailed above. For eligible students, you may be able to claim up to $2,500, with up to $1,000 refundable if the credit reduces your tax liability to zero.
Steps to Check Your Refund for the AOTC:
To track your AOTC-related refund, follow these steps:
- Go to the IRS Website: Visit the official IRS website at https://irs.gov.
- Locate the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ Tool: Find this tool under the “How can we help you?” section.
- Enter Your Information: Input your Social Security Number (SSN), Tax Year, Filing Status, and Refund Amount to track your AOTC refund.
The IRS will let you know if your return has been received, accepted, or sent, so you can stay updated on your refund status.
Tax season can be stressful, but knowing when to expect your refund can help you plan. Whether you filed early or used the extension, the IRS provides several ways to track your refund status. By using the tools provided, such as the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ portal, you can stay informed about when your direct deposit or paper check will arrive. If you’re claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit, you’ll be following the same schedule as other refunds, ensuring you receive the financial support you need.