As the April 15 tax deadline nears, millions of Americans are checking the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool, hoping their refunds will arrive before the month ends. The Internal Revenue Service began accepting 2024 tax returns on January 27, 2025, and with more than 140 million filings expected, the final weeks of the season are the busiest.
The IRS states that most electronically filed returns with direct deposit are processed within 21 days—unless an additional review is triggered. That means many taxpayers filing in late March or early April will receive refunds this month.
Who Will Get an IRS Tax Refund in April 2025?
1. Late March to Mid-April Filers
If you filed between March 25 and April 15 and used direct deposit, your IRS tax refund may land in your account before the end of April. The 21-day window makes it likely for most on-time filers to receive their money within the month—assuming no errors or red flags.
2. Returns with EITC or ACTC
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your refund may be delayed—even if you filed early. Under the PATH Act, the IRS holds these refunds for additional verification. If your return was flagged or filed later, you may receive payment in April.
3. Paper Return Filers
Those mailing in their returns should expect longer wait times—generally 4 to 8 weeks. For taxpayers who mailed returns in February or March, April may be the first month refunds are issued.
4. Extensions and Amended Returns
If you filed after April 15 with an extension and are due a refund, processing begins upon receipt. These refunds often hit bank accounts in late April or May. Amended returns also take longer to process, usually up to 16 weeks.
Where’s My Refund? Track It Online
The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool is the easiest way to check your refund status. It updates within 24 hours of e-filing, or about four weeks after mailing a return. You’ll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to use it.
Digital-Only Refunds Coming Soon
A major change is coming for tax refunds. On March 25, President Trump signed an executive order requiring the U.S. Treasury to phase out paper checks for all federal disbursements—including tax refunds—by September 30, 2025.
This move is part of a broader push to modernize federal payments. Going forward, most tax refunds will be sent via direct deposit or other digital methods. Exceptions will exist for those without banking access, but paper checks will largely disappear.
Why it matters:
Employers that rely on paper checks for tax equalization or reimbursements must shift to digital solutions. For foreign nationals, this could mean maintaining U.S. bank accounts or using digital wallets, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards—options that may come with added fees.
IRS Reform: Better Communication on Refund Delays
A new bill passed by the U.S. House—H.R. 998, the IRS Math and Taxpayer Help Act—aims to make refund communication clearer. The legislation requires the IRS to explain any clerical or math errors in plain language, specify affected tax form lines, and offer itemized recalculations.
This comes in response to complaints about vague, automated IRS letters that confuse taxpayers and delay refunds. The bill also mandates follow-up notices if the IRS later reduces the tax amount owed. It now awaits Senate approval.
“This is a win for taxpayers,” said Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO). “It gives Americans more protection and holds the IRS accountable.”
What to Expect Going Forward
If you haven’t received your refund yet:
- File electronically and use direct deposit for the fastest processing.
- Track your return on IRS.gov.
- Expect delays if you filed late, used paper forms, or claimed EITC/ACTC.
And remember: By next year, paper checks will be phased out. If you’re still relying on mailed refunds, now is the time to set up digital payment options.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.