The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is in the final stages of sending out refunds for the 2024 tax year filed in 2025, but many taxpayers are still wondering when the process will officially end.
With millions of returns filed electronically and by mail, the IRS follows a structured calendar to manage deadlines, extensions, and refund issuance.
As of October 2025, most refunds have already been issued, but a portion of delayed or extended filings continues to be processed.
IRS Filing Deadlines in 2025
The IRS began accepting and processing 2024 tax returns on January 27, 2025. The standard filing deadline was April 15, 2025.
However, taxpayers in disaster-declared states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina received an automatic extension until May 1, 2025.
For those who filed for an extension, the final filing deadline is October 15, 2025. However, any taxes owed had to be paid by April 15 to avoid late payment penalties.
When Do Refunds Arrive?
The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days for electronically filed returns with direct deposit. For paper returns, refunds typically take 4–8 weeks due to additional processing time.
Refunds for those who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) were slightly delayed, as required by federal law to prevent fraud. These refunds began processing in early March 2025.
Refund Schedule in 2025
Here is a simplified breakdown of when refunds were and are still being processed in 2025:
| Return Accepted Date | Direct Deposit Expected | Paper Check Expected |
|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2025 | February 17, 2025 | March 28, 2025 |
| April 15, 2025 | May 6, 2025 | June 16, 2025 |
| May 1, 2025 (extension states) | May 22, 2025 | July 1, 2025 |
| October 15, 2025 (final extension) | November 5, 2025 | November 24, 2025 |
This timeline highlights that refunds continue into late 2025, especially for those filing extensions. Some late filers could even see payments in early 2026 depending on IRS backlog.
Average Refund Amount in 2025
According to IRS data, the average tax refund for the 2024 tax year filed in 2025 is around $2,825. This figure varies depending on:
- Income level
- Filing status (single, married, head of household)
- Claimed deductions and credits
- Eligibility for programs like the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit
Why Refunds May Be Delayed
While most taxpayers receive their refunds quickly, delays in 2025 have been caused by:
- Filing paper instead of e-filing
- Errors or incomplete information in returns
- Prior IRS debts or offsets (unpaid taxes, child support, or federal loans)
- Identity verification issues
- Additional review for returns claiming refundable credits
The IRS encourages taxpayers to track their refund status through the Where’s My Refund? tool on IRS.gov or via the IRS2Go mobile app.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The IRS reminds taxpayers that refunds can generally be claimed for up to three years from the original filing deadline.
That means 2024 tax refunds can be claimed until April 15, 2028. However, certain credits—such as the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit—had stricter deadlines that expired in April 2025.
By October 2025, the IRS has processed the majority of refunds for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers who filed early likely received their refunds months ago, while those who filed extensions are seeing their payments scheduled for November 2025.
With an average refund of $2,825, planning ahead for timing is key. Filing electronically with direct deposit remains the fastest way to get your refund on time.
FAQs
How long does it take to get an IRS refund in 2025?
Most refunds are issued within 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit, but paper returns can take 4–8 weeks.
What if I missed the April 15, 2025 deadline?
If you filed an extension, you had until October 15, 2025. Beyond that, late penalties apply unless special circumstances exist.
Can I still claim my 2024 refund after 2025?
Yes. Refunds can be claimed for up to three years, meaning you have until April 15, 2028 to file for 2024 returns.