Tax Filing 2024: When Will You Get Tax Refund?

In just a few weeks, Americans will be able to start filing their tax returns for 2024.

The earlier you file, the quicker you tend to get a tax refund if you're owed one, but there are special rules about the schedule this year that taxpayers should take note of.

Why It Matters

Every year, Americans can start filing their taxes in January, several months ahead of the tax filing deadline in April.

The timing of when you submit your taxes can impact when your refund arrives, however. This could carry significance if you are planning to use your tax refund to pay some pressing bills or go toward a down payment.

People use IRS Direct File at the IRS Building on April 5, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Taxpayers will get their refunds more quickly if they file their returns online. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Economic Security Project

What To Know

In 2025, there are still seven income brackets that earners can fall into: 10, 12, 22, 24, 32, 35 and 37 percent.

The amount you pay is determined by your income level and your filing status, whether that's single, married or head of household.

To receive the child tax credit, you must list your children or dependents on the 1040 tax return form.

What Is The 2025 Tax Refund Schedule?

The IRS sends out tax refunds 21 days after taxpayers file their returns online and six to eight weeks after submitting a paper return.

That means those who submit their returns in January would get a deposited refund by February 18 or a paper check between March 9 and March 23.

How To Track Your Tax Refund In 2025

The IRS provides a free online tool so taxpayers can track where their refund is in status.

The refund status should be available 24 hours after you file a current-year online return and three or four days after filing a prior-year online return.

For those who file a paper return, the status will be available four weeks after your file date.

How Early Can You File Taxes In 2025?

Taxpayers can begin filing taxes as early as January 29, when the IRS will first make forms available.

The IRS Free File program will also be available for tax preparation starting on January 12.

What Is The Deadline For Filing Taxes In 2025?

Unless you have an extension, all taxes will be due April 15.

What People Are Saying

Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek: "Legislation has remained relatively stable, so refunds are expected to be similar to those received in the previous year. However, inflation adjustments may impact certain credits. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for taxpayers with three or more qualifying children has increased from $7,830 in 2024 to $8,046 in 2025."

Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Your tax refund schedule for this year really depends on how you file....As usual, the paper check refund is the slowest way of receiving your refund. E-filing and choosing a paper check will make the process of getting a refund run at least a month, while paper filing stretches that to two months. The good news is the IRS does have a fairly reliable tool to see where your refund is currently, and some online tax services also monitor the process and provide you with updates."

Christina Taylor, vice president of tax at tax platform april, told Newsweek: "The IRS makes tax inflation adjustments every year which generally result in higher values for all of the following: standard deductions, income limits on credits, earned income tax credit amounts, and IRA contribution limits. Taxpayers can expect similar refunds this year compared to last year, assuming their income levels and family sizes remain the same."

What Happens Next

While Americans will likely see similar tax refunds this year compared to last, there will be substantial changes in 2026.

That's because a new 1099DA form will be available for digital assets, and 1099 limits could decrease.