If you are counting the days to receive your tax refund in 2025, here is the information you need to avoid unpleasant surprises. We’re going to talk about everything from when you might see the money in your account to how to track it if the IRS takes too long.
And yes, we are also going to touch on the topic of possible delays, because this year things could get a little slow. But don’t worry, with these tips, you will be ready 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 are going to deposit the refund. If you file your return electronically, it usually takes about 21 days for the IRS to process it and send you the money. But if you prefer paper, be prepared to wait six to eight weeks. This year, however, there could be delays due to some changes in IRS staff. So, if you can, file your return as soon as possible. Don’t leave everything until the last day, because you could end up waiting longer than expected.
If you have already filed your return and are eager to know where your money is, the IRS has a tool that can answer your questions. It’s called “Where’s My Refund?” and is available on their website. You only need your Social Security number, your marital status, and the exact amount you expect to receive. You can also call 800-829-1954 if it’s a current year refund, or 866-464-2050 if you filed an amended return. So, if the money doesn’t appear in your account within the estimated time, don’t panic. Use this tool before you start worrying.
Why might there be delays this year wit the tax refuds?
Here comes the part we don’t like so much: the possible delays. It turns out that the IRS has had some changes to its staff, and that could affect how quickly they process returns. During the Trump administration, a program called “deferred resignation” was implemented, offering federal employees compensation of up to eight months’ pay if they left their positions.
The idea was to reduce the workforce by 5-10%, but in the end only 3% of employees accepted the offer. Still, those who stayed have to work until May 15 to make sure tax season doesn’t get thrown out of whack. But 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 into trouble with the IRS, mark this date on your calendar: April 15, 2025 is the last day to file your federal tax return. If it falls on a weekend or holiday, you could have a few extra days, but don’t trust yourself.
It is best not to leave everything until the last minute. The sooner you file your return, the sooner you could receive your refund. And if you’re worried 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) sounds like music to many ears, but in practice, how feasible is it? Although some influential political figures and businessmen have expressed their discontent with the agency, dismantling it is not as simple as pressing a button or signing a decree.
For starters, the IRS was created by the United States Congress, meaning only new legislation could eliminate it entirely. Although there is sometimes talk of doing so by executive order, the reality is that this path would face considerable legal obstacles. Simply put, it is not enough for someone in power to want it: a change in the laws is needed.
Would taxes disappear or would only the name of the tax collector change?
One of the big misunderstandings when it comes to abolishing the IRS is that many people assume that if the agency goes away, taxes will go too. But in reality, eliminating the IRS doesn’t mean the government stops collecting money.
George W. Connelly, an experienced tax attorney at Chamberlain Hrdlicka, explained in 2020 that even if the IRS went away, the country would still need a system to collect taxes. According to him, those who work in the tax field prefer to deal with the current system, with all its problems, rather than venturing into a state scheme that could be even more complicated.
From their perspective, changing the name of the IRS or creating a new entity would not solve the underlying problem: Someone will always have to collect taxes and tax refunds should not be affected.
