If you’re counting down the days until you get your 2025 tax refund, here’s what you need to know to avoid any unpleasant surprises. We’ll go over everything, from when you can expect to see the money in your account to how to track it if the IRS takes too long.
And, yes, we will discuss potential delays this year, as things may move slowly. Don’t worry, with these tips, you’ll be prepared to handle the situation like a pro.
When does tax refund money arrive? The question that keeps us up at night
The first thing we all want to know is when they will deposit their refund. If you file your return electronically, the IRS typically takes about 21 days to process it and send you the money. However, if you prefer paper, be prepared to wait six to eight weeks.
This year, however, there may be delays due to changes in IRS staff. So, if possible, file your return right away. Don’t leave everything until the last day, as you may end up waiting longer than expected.
If you’ve already filed your return and are wondering where your money is, the IRS has a tool that can help. It’s titled “Where’s My Refund?” and is available on their website. You only need to provide your Social Security number, marital status, and the exact amount you expect to receive.
You can also call 800-829-1954 for a current-year refund or 866-464-2050 if you submitted an amended return. So, if the money does not appear in your account within the expected time frame, don’t worry. Use this tool before you begin worrying.
Why might there be delays this year wit the tax refunds?
Here comes the part we don’t like so much: potential delays. It turns out that the IRS has made some changes to its staff, which may affect how quickly returns are processed. During the Trump administration, a program called “deferred resignation” was implemented, which provided federal employees with up to eight months’ pay if they left their jobs.
The plan was to reduce the workforce by 5–10%, but only 3% of employees accepted the offer. Those who stayed must work until May 15 to ensure that tax season runs smoothly. However, with fewer hands on the table, some refunds may take longer than usual.
Key IRS dates that you can’t forget
If you don’t want to get in trouble with the IRS, mark this date on your calendar. April 15, 2025 is the deadline for filing your federal tax return. If it falls on a weekend or holiday, you may have a few extra days, but don’t trust yourself.
It is best to avoid leaving everything until the last minute. The sooner you file your return, the sooner you’ll get your refund. And if you’re concerned about the cost, read on because there is a free option.
Can Elon Musk’s DOGE take down the IRS? The reality behind the myth
The idea of closing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may sound appealing, but is it actually feasible? Although some powerful political figures and business leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the agency, dismantling it is not as simple as pressing a button or signing a decree.
For starters, the IRS was established by the United States Congress, so only new legislation could completely eliminate it. Although there has been some discussion of doing so by executive order, the reality is that this path would face significant legal challenges. Simply put, wanting it isn’t enough; laws must be changed.
Would taxes disappear or would only the name of the tax collector change?
One of the most common misconceptions about abolishing the IRS is that if the agency is eliminated, taxes will also disappear. However, eliminating the IRS does not mean that the government will stop collecting money.
George W. Connelly, an experienced tax attorney at Chamberlain Hrdlicka, explained in 2020 that even if the IRS disappeared, the country would still require a system for collecting taxes. According to him, tax professionals would rather deal with the current system, with all of its flaws, than embark on a state scheme that could be even more complex.
From their perspective, changing the IRS’s name or forming a new entity would not solve the underlying problem: someone must always collect taxes, and tax refunds should be unaffected.
