How long does it take to get your tax return?
Updated on 20 January 2025
The processing time for tax returns can vary depending on various factors, including the method of filing, the complexity of your return, and the time of the year. Typically, if you e-file your tax return and choose direct deposit for your refund, you may receive it within a few weeks. However, if you file a paper return or if your return is more complex, it may take longer.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tools on their website, such as "Where's My Refund?", which allows you to track the status of your refund. These are general guidelines, and individual cases may vary.
What is a tax return?
A tax return is a form or set of forms filed with a tax authority, such as the IRS, reporting income, expenses, and other relevant financial information. Individuals and businesses are required to file tax returns annually to calculate their tax liability or the amount of taxes owed to the government.
For individuals, a tax return typically includes details about their income, deductions, credits, and other relevant financial information for a specific tax year. The tax return is used to determine whether the individual owes additional taxes or is entitled to a refund. It is a way for taxpayers to reconcile their financial activities with their jurisdiction's tax laws and regulations.
Businesses also file tax returns, providing information about their income, expenses, and other financial details. The specific forms used for tax returns vary based on the type of entity (e.g., individual, corporation, partnership) and the tax jurisdiction.
Filing a tax return is a legal requirement and failure to do so within the specified deadline may result in penalties or fines. It's important for individuals and businesses to understand their tax obligations and to file accurate and timely tax returns.
The term tax refund is typically used to refer to money a person or business receives as a result of an overpayment of their taxes.
How to check on my tax return?
To check on the status of your tax return, you can use the "Where's My Refund?" tool provided by the IRS.
The IRS website tool, “Where’s My Refund?” will provide you with the current status of your tax return, including whether it has been received, processed, and when you can expect your refund. You should check the website regularly as the status is updated once per day, usually overnight.
Alternatively, you can also check the status of your tax return by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954.
Documents needed to check your tax return
To check the status of your tax return, you should have the following information ready:
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Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
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Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
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The exact amount of the refund you are expecting
What to expect for refunds this year
Recent changes to the tax code could result in larger tax refunds when people file their taxes in 2025.
The inflation-adjusted increases to certain tax credits, deductions, and tax brackets for next year could translate into larger tax refunds when folks file their taxes in 2025. The IRS makes inflation adjustments every year - here are the new tax brackets:
| Taxable Rate |
For Single Filers |
For Married Filing Jointly |
| 10% |
<$12,000 |
<$24,000 |
| 12% |
$12,000 - $48,000 |
$24,000 - $96,000 |
| 22% |
$48,000 - $102,000 |
$96,000 - $204,000 |
| 24% |
$102,000 - $194,000 |
$204,000 - $388,000 |
| 32% |
$194,000 - $245,000 |
$388,000 - $490,000 |
| 35% |
$245,000 - $615,000 |
$490,000 - $735,000 |
| 37% |
> $615,000 |
> $735,000 |
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) will increase to $7,540 for qualifying taxpayers with three or more children, up from $7,430 last year. The IRS provides a table with the maximum EITC amount for other categories, income thresholds, and phase-outs in its revenue procedure.
The EITC you qualify for depends on how many hours you worked for someone or yourself, whether you are married or single, and the number of qualifying children you have. Around one in five eligible workers miss out on this valuable tax benefit, which is often credited with reducing poverty for working families alongside the Child Tax Credit.
| Children or relatives claimed |
Filing as single, head of household, married filing separately or widowed |
Filing as married filing jointly |
| Zero |
$19,800 |
$26,500 |
| One |
$50,800 |
$58,200 |
| Two |
$57,900 |
$65,200 |
| Three |
$62,200 |
$69,500 |
Other tax inflation changes
Qualified transportation fringe benefits, annual exclusion for gifts, foreign earned income exclusion, contributions to retirement accounts, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and similar “cafeteria plans” are also adjusted for inflation.
The standard deduction is now $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married filing jointly.
The maximum contribution for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) increased to $3,150.
Federal tax refund schedule
The federal tax refund schedule can vary based on several factors, including how you filed your return (electronically or by mail) and when you filed it.
Additionally, factors such as the complexity of your return and any potential issues with your filing can affect the tax refund processing time.
Here is a general overview of the federal tax refund schedule:
- E-filed Returns with Direct Deposit: If you filed your federal tax return electronically and opted for direct deposit, you can generally expect to receive your refund within 21 days from the date the IRS acknowledges receipt of your return.
- E-filed Returns with Paper Check: If you choose to receive your refund as a paper check instead of direct deposit, it may take a few additional days for the check to be mailed.
- Paper-Filed Returns: If you filed a paper return, the processing time is longer compared to electronic filing. It can take six to eight weeks for the IRS to process a paper return.
Estimated 2025 IRS Refund Schedule
The IRS begins processing tax returns for the 2024 tax year on January 29, 2025.
Taxpayers who e-file quickly and choose direct deposit can anticipate receiving their refunds 21 days after the IRS receives their tax return.
Refunds may take an additional 5-7 days for mailing and paper filed returns may take from 6-8 weeks.
How to get through your tax return
Navigating through your tax return can seem complex, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process more straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get through your tax return:
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Gather Necessary Documents - Collect all relevant financial documents, including W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and any other records of income, deductions, or credits.
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Choose a Filing Status - Determine your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.), as it affects your tax rates and deductions.
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Choose a Filing Method - Decide whether to file your taxes electronically (e-file) or by mail (paper filing). E-filing is generally faster and more convenient.
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Use Tax Software or Hire a Professional - Consider using tax software to guide you through the process. Alternatively, hire a tax professional if your situation is complex.
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Fill Out the Tax Forms - Complete the necessary tax forms based on your financial situation. Common forms include 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.
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Report Income - Enter details about your income, including wages, self-employment income, dividends, and interest.
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Claim Deductions - Identify eligible deductions, such as mortgage interest, student loan interest, medical expenses, and other itemized deductions.
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Claim Tax Credits - Check for tax credits you qualify for, such as the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, or education credits.
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Review and Double-Check - Carefully review your tax return for accuracy. Ensure all information is entered correctly to avoid potential issues.
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File Your Tax Return - Submit your tax return by the deadline. If you owe taxes, arrange for payment. If you're entitled to a refund, choose direct deposit for faster processing.
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Keep Copies - Make copies of your filed tax return, W-2s, and supporting documents. Store them in a secure place for future reference.
By following these steps and staying organized, you can navigate the tax return process more smoothly.
How long does it take to get your tax return
The time it takes to receive your tax return depends on several factors, including the method of filing, the complexity of your return, and the time of year you submit it.
If you e-file your return and choose direct deposit for your refund, the IRS typically processes it within 21 days. However, filing closer to the deadline or during peak tax season may result in slight delays due to the volume of returns being processed. Paper filing takes significantly longer—generally six to eight weeks—because of the manual processing involved. Factors such as errors, missing information, or the need for additional review can also delay processing times. For faster service, it’s recommended to file electronically, double-check your return for accuracy, and opt for direct deposit. The IRS provides tools like “Where’s My Refund?” to track your return’s status and keep you informed throughout the process.
Average time to get tax return
On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and select direct deposit receive their refunds within 21 days of submission. This method is the quickest because electronic filing eliminates the need for manual data entry and speeds up processing. If you choose to receive a paper check instead, it may take an additional 5–7 days for the refund to arrive by mail.
For those who file paper returns, the processing time extends to 6–8 weeks, or longer if the return is incomplete or has errors. The timing also depends on whether your return includes credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, as these require additional verification and may delay refunds until late February.
The IRS encourages e-filing as it reduces errors and ensures faster refunds, especially when combined with direct deposit.
Why is accuracy important when filing an income tax return?
Accuracy is extremely important when filing an income tax return because a minor mistake can lead to significant consequences, including delays, penalties, or an IRS audit.
Errors such as incorrect Social Security Numbers, mismatched income amounts, or missing deductions can slow down the processing of your return and delay your refund. Filing inaccurately could also result in underreporting or overreporting your tax liability, which may trigger fines or legal action from the IRS.
Additionally, mistakes in claiming deductions or credits could cause you to miss out on valuable tax benefits or increase the risk of repayment demands if the IRS finds discrepancies. Accuracy ensures compliance with tax laws and helps build trust with tax authorities, reducing the likelihood of future complications.
To ensure your return is accurate, double-check all entries, use reliable tax software, or seek professional help from a tax preparer or attorney, especially for complex returns.
Having a lawyer help you with tax return
Having a tax return lawyer assist you with your tax return can be beneficial, especially if you have a complex financial situation, face legal challenges, or want to ensure compliance with tax laws.
Here are some reasons why you might consider hiring a lawyer to help with your tax return:
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Complex Tax Situations - If your financial situation is complex, involving multiple sources of income, investments, businesses, or international transactions, a tax lawyer can help navigate the complexities and ensure accurate reporting.
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Business and Corporate Taxes - Business owners, entrepreneurs, and those with corporate interests may benefit from legal guidance to optimize their tax strategy, navigate deductions, and comply with business tax laws.
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Tax Planning and Advice - Tax lawyers can provide strategic tax planning advice to help you minimize your tax liability legally. They can assist in making informed decisions about investments, retirement planning, and other financial matters.
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Legal Issues and Disputes - If you are facing legal issues related to taxes, such as an audit, tax evasion allegations, or disputes with tax authorities, a tax lawyer can provide legal representation and help resolve these matters.
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Estate Planning - Individuals with significant assets may require estate planning services to minimize estate taxes. A tax lawyer can assist in creating an estate plan that aligns with your goals and reduces tax implications.
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Tax Litigation - In the event of a tax dispute that escalates to litigation, a tax lawyer can represent you in court, presenting legal arguments and advocating on your behalf.
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Legal Privilege - Communications with a tax lawyer are typically protected by attorney-client privilege. This means that you can discuss sensitive financial matters with your lawyer, and those discussions remain confidential.
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IRS Representation - A tax lawyer can represent you before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in case of audits, appeals, or other interactions. They can handle communication with tax authorities on your behalf.
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Knowledge of Tax Law Changes - Tax laws are subject to frequent changes. A tax lawyer stays informed about these changes and can help you navigate evolving tax regulations.
While hiring a tax lawyer can be beneficial in certain situations, it's essential to assess your specific needs and the complexity of your financial situation. Consider consulting with both a lawyer and a tax professional to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific circumstances.
