IRS Tax Refund Status 2025: Like every year, millions of Americans have filed their tax returns in 2025 as well. After filing, most people want to know when they will get their refund. The IRS has provided easy online tools and mobile apps to track it.
It is also important to know the status of the refund because sometimes there may be a delay due to errors in the form. With the right information, you can get your refund on time and avoid any inconvenience.
IRS Tax Refund Status 2025
In 2025, the IRS has emphasized making tax processing faster and more transparent. Most refunds are being issued within 21 days through e-filing and direct deposit. At the same time, this process can be a little slow if you do paper filing.
The Internal Revenue Service’s Where’s My Refund? tool gives users information about how far their return has been processed. It ensures that you can constantly keep an eye on the updates of your refund.
| Refund Issuance Time | Within 21 days (e-filing + direct deposit) |
| Delay in Paper Filing | May take up to 6 weeks or more |
| Tracking Tool | “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS website |
| Mobile App | IRS2Go app available for Android and iOS |
| Tracking Start Time | 24 hours after e-filing, 4 weeks after paper filing |
| Refund Status Stages | Return Received, Refund Approved, Refund Sent |
| Direct Deposit Time | Up to 72 hours after “Refund Sent” status |
| Paper Check Time | May take 5–7 business days by mail |
| Common Delay Reasons | Errors, wrong bank info, credits claimed, or identity verification |
| When to Contact IRS | After 21 days (e-file) or 6 weeks (paper file) if refund is still pending |
How to check the IRS Tax Refund Status 2025?
Knowing the refund status of the IRS is a very easy process. For this, Where’s My Refund? An online tool or the IRS2Go mobile app can be used. Steps to check it:
- Go to the IRS official website, or open the IRS2Go mobile application.
- Click on the Where’s My Refund? option on the homepage.
- Enter your Social Security Number, and select your tax filing status.
- Enter the exact amount of refund, and click Submit and view the status.
You can check the IRS refund status through the web portal and mobile application within 24 hours after e-filing and 4 weeks after paper filing.
What does the IRS Tax Refund Status show?
The refund status shown by the IRS is in three stages. It shows whether your return has been accepted, approved, or payment has been sent. The federal tax refund status shows information in three stages:
- Return Received—The return has been received by the IRS; now they will review it and process it.
- Refund Approved—The IRS has approved your refund, and it will be sent in the very near future.
- Refund Sent—The refund has been sent by the IRS using the opted payment method.
Once the payment is sent via direct deposit, it takes hardly 72 hours to reflect in the bank account, and in the case of a paper check, you have to wait for a week to receive it in the mailbox.
What to do if my refund is on hold?
If your tax refund is on hold, first check the reason using the Where’s My Refund? tool. Generally, refunds can be on hold due to reasons such as incorrect bank details, errors in filing status, or refiling.
The IRS sends you a notice in case of a refund rejection with instructions for correction. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, the process may take additional time. By submitting the correct documents, you can restart the process.
What are the possible reasons for delay in tax refund?
If you have filed your tax return but the refund did not come on time, there is no need to panic. The IRS process can be slow at times, especially when there are errors in the return or additional investigation is required. Below are some common reasons why your tax refund could be delayed:
- Wrong bank account or routing number entered.
- Calculation errors or incorrect information on forms.
- Incorrect Social Security Number.
- Claiming Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit.
- Paper filing.
- IRS review for identity verification.
- Backlogs or processing delays in the IRS systems.
- Deducting outstanding government debts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for IRS tax refunds to arrive?
The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days of the return being accepted, especially if e-filing and direct deposit options are chosen.
Can I check tax refund status from mobile?
Yes, with the help of the IRS2Go app, you can check the status of your tax refund on mobile as well. It is available on both Android and iOS.
Why is my status showing the same for several days?
The IRS system updates once a day. Sometimes some stages may take longer, especially if there is an ongoing investigation.
When should I call the IRS?
If 21 days of e-filing or 6 weeks of paper filing have passed and the refund has not been received, then only call the IRS. Keep the necessary information ready before calling.
