The IRS is expected to begin issuing refunds for the tax year 2024 on January 31, 2025, so taxpayers who also claim the EITC/ACTC will receive their refunds no later than February 27, 2025, if they have opted for the payment method as direct deposit. Those who chose to receive a paper check refund will have to wait a week or two longer compared to those who opted for direct deposit.
The Internal Revenue Service will start processing general tax refunds for tax year 2024 from January 21, 2025, while the processing of EITC/ACTC refunds will start from February 17, 2025, because according to the PATH Act, any refund in which tax credit has been claimed cannot be processed before February 15, 2025.
Individuals who don’t claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit are likely to get the direct deposit as early as January 31, 2025, and in the case of a paper check, they will have to wait up to the second week of February 2025. The paper check for the taxpayers who will also claim the EITC/ACTC will have to wait until March 13, 2025.
IRS Tax Payout Dates 2025
The Internal Revenue Service will start processing general tax refunds for the tax year 2024 from 21 January 2025. If you file your refund in the early stage, it is likely that you will receive your refund soon; however, those tax refunds that are filed during the peak timing, i.e., between the second week of March 2025 and 15 April 2025, may take two to three weeks more to receive the refund.
Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit will receive their direct deposit on 27 February 2025 only if their refund is filed at an early stage. The more the taxpayer delays filing the refund, the more the delay will be in receiving the refund. Therefore, it is better to file your refund electronically at the early stage and choose the option of direct deposit.
IRS General Tax Refund Schedule 2025
The refund schedule for the IRS General tax refund is available below, as per your Tax refund ‘Accepted by the IRS’ date, you may check the estimated date to receive the direct deposit and paper check.
| Tax Refund Accepted by the IRS | Direct Deposit are Received by | Paper Check are in Mailbox by |
| January 21 | January 31 | February 14 |
| January 28 | February 7 | February 21 |
| February 4 | February 14 | February 28 |
| February 11 | February 21 | March 6 |
| February 18 | February 28 | March 13 |
| February 25 | March 6 | March 20 |
| March 4 | March 14 | March 27 |
| March 11 | March 21 | April 3 |
| March 18 | March 28 | April 10 |
| March 25 | April 4 | April 17 |
| April 1 | April 11 | April 24 |
| April 8 | April 18 | May 1 |
| April 15 | April 25 | May 8 |
| April 22 | May 2 | May 15 |
| April 29 | May 9 | May 22 |
IRS EITC/ACTC Tax Refund Schedule 2025
Taxpayers who also have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit may check the expected date to receive the direct deposit and paper check by going through the tabulated data.
| EITC/ACTC Refund Accepted by the IRS | Direct Deposit are Received by | Paper Check are in Mailbox by |
| Feb 17 | Feb 27 | Mar 13 |
| Feb 24 | Mar 6 | Mar 20 |
| Mar 3 | Mar 13 | Mar 27 |
| Mar 10 | Mar 20 | Apr 3 |
| Mar 17 | Mar 27 | Apr 10 |
| Mar 24 | Apr 3 | Apr 17 |
| Mar 31 | Apr 10 | Apr 24 |
| Apr 7 | Apr 17 | May 1 |
| Apr 14 | Apr 24 | May 8 |
| Apr 21 | May 1 | May 15 |
| Apr 28 | May 8 | May 22 |
| May 5 | May 15 | May 29 |
| May 12 | May 22 | Jun 5 |
| May 19 | May 29 | Jun 12 |
| May 26 | Jun 5 | Jun 19 |
The dates mentioned above to get the General and ACTC/EITC refund are estimated; it is prepared based on last year’s trend.
How to File for an IRS Tax Refund—Step-by-Step Process
- Gather Required Documents
- W-2 form (for employees) or 1099 forms (for self-employed individuals).
- Previous year’s tax return (optional but helpful).
- Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Bank account details for direct deposit (optional).
- Choose Your Filing Method
- E-filing (Recommended) – Use IRS Free File, tax software (e.g., TurboTax, H&R Block), or a professional tax preparer.
- Paper Filing—Download Form 1040 from the IRS website, print it, fill it out, and mail it.
- Complete Your Tax Return
- Enter your income, deductions, and credits.
- Calculate the tax you owe or the refund you’re eligible for.
- Double-check all information to avoid delays.
- Submit Your Return to the IRS
- If e-filing, submit directly through IRS-approved software or a tax professional.
- If mailing, send it to the correct IRS address based on your state (found on the IRS website).
- Track Your Refund
- Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app.
- You’ll need your SSN/ITIN, filing status, and refund amount.
- Receive Your Refund
- Direct Deposit: Typically arrives within 10-21 days of IRS acceptance.
- Paper Check: Can take 4-6 weeks to arrive by mail.
- Address Any IRS Notices (If Applicable)
- If the IRS needs more information, respond quickly to avoid delays.
For the fastest refund, file early, e-file, and choose direct deposit.
IRS Tax Refund 2025-click here to process
