Tax season is here, and there’s only 1 week left to get your first tax refund of 2025! If you’ve already filed your return electronically and opted for direct deposit, you could see your refund in your bank account much sooner than you think.
The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) has stated that eligible taxpayers could receive their refunds within 21 days—provided their tax return is accurate and complete.
1 Week Left to Get Your First Tax Refund – When Will It Arrive?
If you submitted your 2024 tax return on January 27, you could receive your refund as early as February 17, 2025. This is because January 27 marked the first day the IRS started accepting returns, and 21 days later falls on February 17.
However, if you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your refund may take longer to process. In these cases, the IRS estimates that refunds will be sent by March 3, 2025. Some people may receive theirs earlier.
How Much Is the Average Tax Refund in 2025?
While the IRS has yet to finalize data on this year’s tax refunds, they did share some early insights on January 31, 2025. According to their report, the average refund amount for 2025 is approximately $1,928—which is a 38% increase compared to the same period last year.
Additionally, direct deposit refunds appear to be larger this year, averaging $2,069—about 34% higher than last year. However, it’s important to note that fewer tax returns were included in these early statistics compared to last year, so these numbers may change as more returns are processed.
Estimated IRS Refund Timeline for 2025
| Tax Filing Date | Estimated Refund Date (Direct Deposit) |
| January 27, 2025 | February 17, 2025 |
| February 3, 2025 | February 24, 2025 |
| February 10, 2025 | March 3, 2025 |
| February 17, 2025 | March 10, 2025 |
| February 24, 2025 | March 17, 2025 |
Note: If you claimed the EITC or ACTC, expect delays, with refunds likely arriving after March 3, 2025.
How to Track Your IRS Refund Status
Want to know exactly when your refund will arrive? Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. It provides real-time updates on your return’s status and expected payment date. You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Your filing status
- Your exact refund amount
FAQs on 1 Week Left to Get Your First Tax Refund
1. Why is my tax refund delayed?
Your refund might be delayed if there are errors in your tax return, if you claimed the EITC or ACTC, or if the IRS needs additional information to verify your details.
2. Can I get my refund faster?
Yes! Filing electronically and selecting direct deposit speeds up the process. Paper filings take much longer to process.
3. How do I check my refund status?
Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app for the latest updates.