Wondering when your tax refund will arrive this year? Lots of folks are waiting for that extra cash to help with bills or have a little fun. IRS Tax season 2025 is moving along, but fewer people have filed early compared to last year. No stress—we’ll break down what’s going on, why it’s slow, and when you might get your money.
The IRS kicked off tax season on January 27. By February 7, they’d gotten 7.7% fewer returns than last year and processed 7.6% fewer—23.5 million so far. Good news, though: refunds are rolling out, and they’re bigger! The average refund was $2,065, up from $1,741 last year. If you’ve filed, your cash could be coming soon—especially with direct deposit, the quickest way.
Why Are People Filing Later This Year?
Why the slow start? A few things might be up. Some folks are mixed up by social media saying the IRS might change due to President Trump’s plans. Truth is, that’s not happening for 2024 taxes—it needs Congress, and that’s slow. Mark Steber from Jackson Hewitt says don’t wait for big changes now. Want to keep more of your Social Security cash? Check out 7 Ways to Reduce Taxes on Social Security Benefits in 2025 for some handy tips.
Other delays? New 1099-K forms are hitting gig workers who made over $5,000 in 2024. That’s lower than last year’s $20,000, so more people are dealing with them. The season started two days earlier than last year’s January 29, but some didn’t have W-2s ready. Plus, disasters in states like California give folks until May 1 or October 15 to file.
How Fast Can You Get Your Refund?
Filed already? Here’s the scoop. File online with direct deposit on February 17, and you might see cash by February 28 if all’s good. Paper checks take longer—think March 7. For earned income or child tax credits, expect March 3 with direct deposit. Check “Where’s My Refund?” around February 22 for updates.
File early, and your refund lands fast! Folks who sent returns from January 27 to February 17 could see money between February 17 and March 10. Direct deposit beats mailed checks every time. California give folks extra time to find out if you qualify at IRS Update: Are You Eligible for Tax Relief? Key Deadline Extended to October 15, 2025.
What’s Messing with the IRS This Year?
The IRS is a bit shaky now. Trump’s team froze hiring, and Elon Musk’s cost-cutting crew is eyeing them. Some thought the free Direct File tool was gone, but it’s still on in 25 states for millions. All this noise might make people pause, but refunds keep coming. Big layoffs are hitting too—see more at IRS Mass Layoffs Begin, 7,000 Workers Expected to Lose Their Jobs. All this noise might make people pause, but refunds keep coming.
Here’s a table for early filers with direct deposit:
| Date You Filed | Refund Could Arrive | What You Need |
| January 27 | February 17 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| January 28 | February 18 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| January 29 | February 19 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| January 30 | February 20 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| January 31 | February 21 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 1 | February 22 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 2 | February 23 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 3 | February 24 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 4 | February 25 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 5 | February 26 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 6 | February 27 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 7 | February 28 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 8 | March 1 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 9 | March 2 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 10 | March 3 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 11 | March 4 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 12 | March 5 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 13 | March 6 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 14 | March 7 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 15 | March 8 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 16 | March 9 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
| February 17 | March 10 | E-file, direct deposit, no issues |
Tax Day is April 15, but don’t wait—late filing slows things down. Disaster areas get extra time, so check your state.
Should You File Now or Wait?
Some are holding off, hoping for Trump’s tax ideas like no taxes on tips. Experts say that’s not for 2024. File early if you’ve got your forms—W-2s, 1099-Ks—to snag your refund quick. Wait only if you’re missing stuff or in a disaster zone. The IRS expects more filings soon!
FAQs on IRS Tax season 2025
Q: Why are fewer folks filing early?
Confusion from social media, new 1099-K forms, and disaster delays are big reasons.
Q: What’s the average refund?
It’s $2,065 so far—more than last year’s $1,741!
Q: What is the fastest way to get my cash?
File online with direct deposit—days, not weeks!
Q: Will Trump’s plans change my 2024 taxes?
Nope, not this year—maybe 2026 or later.
Q: What’s a 1099-K form?
It’s for gig work or sales over $5,000 file it right!
Q: Is Direct File still a thing?
Yep, free in 25 states for lots of people!