Here’s when to expect your 2025 tax refund, how to track it

On By Littum

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Tax season begins Monday.

This is when the IRS officially begins accepting tax returns.

Many Americans already count on reimbursement. ONE recent study conducted by Qualtrics for Intuit Credit Karma found that more than a third of taxpayers rely on their tax refunds to make ends meet. That rate was even higher, 50%, among millennials.

The survey of 1,000 US adults also found, “of those who rely on their refund to get by, nearly half (45%) say it’s because of the rising cost of living and necessities (i.e. housing, groceries ).Others point to inflation (41%), living paycheck (37%) and depleted savings (21%).

Whether you’re one of them or just want your money, here’s when to expect your tax refund and how to track it.

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When should I expect my tax refund?

It depends on how you report your tax and how you choose to receive your refund.

If you file electronically and your return is accurate and complete, the IRS says it should take less than three weeks to receive your refund, and even less time if you choose direct deposit.

If you file a paper return, the refund should be issued within approximately six to eight weeks of the date the IRS receives the application, again assuming it is accurate and complete.

How do I track my tax refund?

Once you have filed your taxes, you can track your refund on the IRS website.

To do so, you will need your:

  • CPR number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
  • Archiving status
  • Exact refund amount

The IRS says the information is updated once a day, overnight. And when a refund is marked as sent, “It may take 5 days to appear in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.”

If there is a problem with your tax return that requires more information or further review, the IRS will send you a letter and your repayment may be delayed.