The time it takes to receive a federal tax refund from the IRS in 2025 generally depends on how you file and how you choose to receive the refund:
- E-file with direct deposit: Most refunds are issued within about 21 days (3 weeks) after the IRS accepts your return. If you e-file early in the season (e.g., late January), you could receive your refund as early as mid-February. The IRS usually acknowledges e-filed returns within 24 to 48 hours, and then processes refunds typically within 10 to 21 days after acceptance
- E-file with a mailed check: Receiving a refund by mail usually takes longer, typically up to 60 days (about 2 months) from acceptance of your return
- Paper filing: Paper returns take significantly longer to process, generally about 6 to 8 weeks (42 to 56 days) from the date the IRS receives the return. Direct deposit can speed up the refund even for paper returns, but mailing a check adds additional time
Additional factors that can delay your refund include:
- Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), which often triggers extra IRS verification and can delay refunds until late February or later
- Errors on your return, missing signatures, or mismatches in information can also cause delays as the IRS reviews your return more closely
- Filing during peak season (late March to mid-April) may slow processing due to high volume
Summary of typical refund timing
Filing Method| Refund Delivery Method| Typical Time to Refund After IRS
Acceptance
---|---|---
E-file| Direct deposit| 10 to 21 days (about 3 weeks)
E-file| Mailed check| Up to 60 days (about 2 months)
Paper file| Direct deposit or check| 6 to 8 weeks (42 to 56 days)
You can check the status of your refund starting 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool or by calling their hotline
. In conclusion, if you e-file and choose direct deposit, expect your federal tax refund within about three weeks after IRS acceptance, while paper filing and mailed checks can take significantly longer.
