Some dread doing taxes and wait until the last minute. But millions of others file early to get their tax refunds. What to expect in tax season 2025.

If you file your tax return electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to receive your refund. If you choose to receive your refund with direct deposit, it should take even less time. If you file a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer.

The earlier you file, the sooner you will get your refund. Filing online as early as possible will lead to the fastest chances of getting your refund.

It is tax season once again. Monday marked the first day people can file their 2024 year taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. While many of us will file in the coming months, early filers are already wondering when they will see a refund check or direct deposit.

The good news? Things are actually getting better at the IRS. The head of the National Taxpayer Advocate, a watchdog agency that observes the IRS, said in its 2024 report that “For the first time since I became the National Taxpayer Advocate in 2020, I can begin this report with good news: The taxpayer experience has noticeably improved.”