In 2025, federal tax refunds in the U.S. are typically issued within about 21 days after the IRS accepts your return if you e-file and choose direct deposit. Paper-filed returns take longer, often 4-8 weeks. The IRS started accepting returns around the end of January, so early filers with simple returns and direct deposit can expect refunds as early as mid to late February. The IRS provides a refund calendar with estimated refund issuance dates based on when the IRS accepted your return, ranging roughly from mid- February to early June for returns accepted between late January and mid- April. For tax filers who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), refunds might be delayed until mid to late February due to additional processing requirements under the PATH Act. You can check the status of your refund anytime using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool or the IRS2Go app. State tax refunds usually come faster than federal refunds, often within 30 days if electronically filed. For 2025 tax returns, the general IRS refund timeline is:

• E-filed returns: Expect refund in approximately 10-21 days after IRS acceptance.
• Paper returns: Expect 4-8 weeks for refund processing.

Delays can happen due to errors on the return, further IRS review, or claiming certain credits. If you filed electronically and opted for direct deposit, your refund could arrive as early as mid-February and may continue to be issued weekly through May or June depending on when you filed.

For example, if the IRS accepts your e-filed return by:

• April 21, you can expect your refund by May 2.
• May 5, by May 16.

If mailed, add about a week more for paper mailing of checks.

In summary, tax refunds in 2025 are generally issued starting mid-February for early filers and can continue rolling out through May and June depending on filing date and refund method. Expect about three weeks after filing electronically for most refunds to be issued.