Millions of Americans look forward to their income tax refunds every year. For 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has already rolled out key updates, including tax refund amounts, schedules, and tax brackets.
This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about the IRS Income Tax Refund 2025—whether you’re checking your refund status, estimating your refund, or simply planning for the tax season.
When Will IRS Start Processing Refunds in 2025?
The IRS officially opened the 2025 tax filing season in January. Taxpayers who filed electronically with direct deposit started seeing their refunds as early as 21 days after filing, assuming no errors were made.
Tax experts suggest that most people who filed their returns in January and early February have already received or are about to receive their refunds. Those who filed paper returns may experience longer delays, up to 6 to 8 weeks.
You can always track your refund using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the official IRS website or through the IRS2Go mobile app.
Expected Refund Amounts in 2025
As of now, the IRS reports that the average refund amount for 2025 is around $2,150, which is slightly lower than last year’s average of $2,350. The reduction is mainly due to the expiration of several pandemic-era credits and adjustments in tax brackets to match inflation.
Many taxpayers are also noticing that their refund amounts are smaller if they had underpaid taxes throughout the year or did not adjust their withholdings correctly.
2025 Income Tax Brackets at a Glance
The IRS has adjusted tax brackets for 2025 to account for inflation. Here’s a quick look at the federal income tax brackets for single filers:
- 10% on income up to $12,500
- 12% on income between $12,501 and $50,000
- 22% on income between $50,001 and $100,000
- 24% of income between $100,001 and $160,000
- 32% on income between $160,001 and $230,000
- 35% on income between $230,001 and $360,000
- 37% on income over $360,000
For married couples filing jointly, these brackets are doubled.
How Do I Check “Where’s My Refund?”
Checking your refund status is easy and takes just a few minutes. Here’s how:
- Go to the official IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
- Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
- Enter your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
You can also use the IRS2Go app for mobile tracking.
Refund status updates are available:
- 24 hours after e-filing
- 4 weeks after mailing, the paper returns
Why Some Refunds Are Delayed?
There are several reasons your refund might be delayed:
- Errors in the tax return
- Incorrect bank account details
- Claiming Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
- Paper returns are taking longer to process
The IRS also reminds taxpayers to be alert to fraud or scams pretending to be the IRS, especially regarding refunds.
Important Tips for Faster Refunds in 2025
- File early and e-file.
- Use direct deposit.
- Double-check your return for errors before submitting.
- Use the IRS online tools instead of calling IRS offices.
Conclusion
The 2025 tax refund season has been smoother compared to the past few years, but delays still happen. By staying informed about your tax bracket, using the IRS tools properly, and filing early, you can ensure your refund arrives quickly and without issues.
For more information, always refer to the official IRS website at https://www.irs.gov.