Empire State Review Team 
Understanding the IRS Tax Refund Schedule for 2025
As we approach the April 15 deadline, tax season is officially underway, with the IRS estimating that around 140 million individuals will submit their tax returns by that date. For those preparing to file, here’s an overview of the IRS tax refund schedule for 2025 along with important details to keep in mind.
Key Dates and Processing Times
- Start of Filing: Taxpayers could begin submitting their returns starting January 27, 2025.
- E-filing Benefits: Those who file electronically and choose direct deposit may see their refunds issued within 10 to 21 days following IRS acceptance of their return.
- Paper Returns: If you opt for a mailed paper return, expect processing to take approximately 4 to 8 weeks.
Considerations for Tax Credits
Claiming certain tax credits can result in longer processing times. Specifically, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may invoke additional verification checks. Refunds incorporating these credits are typically released by late February at the earliest.
Filing During Peak Season
It’s important to note that filing returns from late March to mid-April, which is considered peak tax season, may lead to further delays in refund processing due to increased volume.
Refund Tracking
Taxpayers are encouraged to utilize the online tool “Where’s My Refund?” This tool provides status updates about your tax refund and is refreshed daily. For effective tracking, have the following information on hand:
- Your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).
- Your filing status.
- The amount of your expected refund as calculated on your return.
Troubleshooting Refund Issues
If you find discrepancies or experience issues with your refund, consider the following factors that could be the cause:
- Corrections by the IRS: If the IRS makes any adjustments to your tax return due to errors, you will receive a notification regarding the changes. Such adjustments can be tracked via the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
- Offsets: Your refund may have been applied to outstanding tax balances or debts owed to state or federal entities.
- Spousal Debts: In the case of joint returns, refunds might be directed towards your spouse’s financial obligations.
- Lost Checks: If your refund check is reported lost or destroyed, you are entitled to request a replacement.
Addressing Incorrect Account Information
In cases where incorrect banking details were submitted, contact the IRS promptly at 800-829-1040 to stop the direct deposit. If the deposit has already been processed to the wrong account, you will need to reach out to your bank for recovery.
Paper Check Explanation
If your refund is issued as a paper check rather than a direct deposit, possible reasons include:
- The account used for direct deposit is not under your name, your spouse’s name, or held jointly.
- Your financial institution declined the direct deposit.
- You requested more than three electronic refunds into one account.
Returning Incorrect Refunds
Should you receive a refund that you were not entitled to, please return the amount to the IRS promptly.
Additional Resources
For further assistance and information on the tax refund schedule, taxpayers can visit the IRS website or utilize the NYS tax refund status checker.
Obtaining IRS Transcripts
If you need to access your tax transcripts, additional information is available here.
