For your 2025 tax refund, the general timeframes to expect your refund from the IRS are as follows:

• If you e-file your tax return with direct deposit, it typically takes up to 21 days (about 3 weeks) after the IRS accepts your return to receive your refund.
• If you file a paper return by mail, it can take between 4 and 8 weeks to process and get your refund.
• The IRS begins processing tax returns usually from mid-to-late January and issues refunds accordingly.
• The exact timing depends on several factors including how early you file, whether you have errors in your return, if you claimed certain credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit), and your chosen refund method (direct deposit is faster than mailed checks).
• Returns filed during peak season (late March through April 15) might experience slightly longer waits.
• To check your refund status, you can use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which updates your refund status as early as 24 hours after the IRS accepts your return.

In summary, if you e-file and choose direct deposit without errors, expect your refund within approximately three weeks of IRS acceptance. Paper filings or errors can delay the process up to 8 weeks or longer depending on circumstances.