With the 2024/2025 tax season officially closing at the end of April, many Americans are eagerly awaiting their IRS tax refunds. Depending on how you filed—electronically or by mail—your refund could arrive within days, providing a much-needed financial boost amid rising living costs.
Fastest Ways to Get Your Refund
The IRS recommends filing electronically and choosing direct deposit as the quickest way to receive your refund. Typically, refunds come within 10 to 21 days after filing if you e-file and opt for direct deposit.
- E-filing with direct deposit: 1 to 3 weeks
- E-filing with a mailed check: About 1 month
- Paper filing with direct deposit: Around 3 weeks
- Paper filing with a mailed check: Up to 2 months
Keep in mind, not everyone receives a refund—some taxpayers may owe the IRS or their state money, which can delay or reduce any refund.
Why Refunds Are Taking Longer This Year
This year’s refund process has been slower than usual due to a 31% cut in IRS auditors under the previous administration. Doreen Greenwald, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said these layoffs have impacted local economies and middle-income families across the country.
Average Refund and What to Expect Next
The average refund this year is about $2,939, slightly higher than last year’s $2,869. According to IRS data, a total of over 143 million refunds were processed this season, totaling nearly $275 billion—up 2% from last year.
If you haven’t received your refund yet, you can track its status with the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which updates daily and is accessible 24/7. E-filers can use it 24 hours after filing; paper filers need to wait about four weeks. To use the tool, you’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount.
Information sourced from:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Official Website
- National Treasury Employees Union