Tax season is in full swing, and for millions of Americans, the wait for their IRS tax refund is almost over. If you filed your taxes early, you may be among those scheduled to receive your refund between March 24 and March 31, 2025.
Here’s what you need to know about who qualifies, what affects refund timing, and how to check the status of your payment.
When Are IRS Tax Refunds Issued?
The IRS typically issues tax refunds within 21 calendar days of accepting your return, assuming no errors or additional reviews are needed. Those who filed their taxes electronically and selected direct deposit often receive their refunds much faster than those who file by paper or choose a mailed check.
If your return was accepted between March 3 and March 10, you are likely to receive your refund during the week of March 24–31, 2025.
Refund Payment Schedule Overview
The chart below provides a general estimate of refund payment dates based on when the IRS accepted your tax return:
| IRS Acceptance Date | Estimated Refund Date (Direct Deposit) |
|---|---|
| February 24, 2025 | March 17, 2025 |
| March 3, 2025 | March 24, 2025 |
| March 10, 2025 | March 31, 2025 |
Note: These dates are approximate and assume no delays or errors.
Who Can Expect a Refund Between March 24–31?
If you filed early, used e-filing, and chose direct deposit, you’re likely in this group. Specifically, you may qualify for a refund this week if:
- Your tax return was accepted between March 3–10, 2025
- You filed electronically
- You chose direct deposit as your refund delivery method
- Your return did not include errors or claim delayed credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
Returns with these credits often undergo extra verification, potentially delaying refunds beyond the standard window.
What Can Delay a Refund?
Even if you filed early, certain factors may delay your refund:
1. Claiming Refundable Credits
Returns that include EITC or ACTC are subject to additional processing time to prevent fraud.
2. Filing a Paper Return
Paper returns take significantly longer to process—up to six weeks or more.
3. Errors or Incomplete Information
Any inconsistencies in your tax return (e.g., wrong Social Security number, incorrect bank details, math errors) can lead to delays.
4. IRS Reviews or Adjustments
Some returns are pulled for manual review due to red flags or random audits.
How to Check Your Refund Status
The IRS provides a secure way to check the status of your refund through its online tools. You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN
- Your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly)
- Your exact refund amount
You can typically check your refund status 24 hours after e-filing.
If you filed your return by early March and opted for direct deposit, you could be receiving your IRS refund between March 24 and March 31, 2025. Filing early, filing electronically, and ensuring your information is accurate are the best ways to speed up your refund. As the IRS continues processing millions of returns, staying informed and patient will ensure you get your refund as quickly as possible.
FAQs
When will I get my IRS refund if I filed in early March?
If your return was accepted between March 3–10 and you chose direct deposit, your refund may arrive between March 24–31, 2025.
What causes IRS refunds to be delayed?
Refunds can be delayed due to errors, paper filing, claiming certain credits, or manual reviews by the IRS.
How can I speed up my tax refund?
File electronically, choose direct deposit, and ensure all information is correct to receive your refund faster.