The 2025 Tax Season in the United States has ended, but the IRS’s work isn’t done. Millions of taxpayers filed their returns on time, but many more filed in the last few days or requested an extension. As a result, the federal agency is still processing tax returns for citizens and residents.

Tax refunds continue to arrive for those who have met their tax duties and are entitled for a return. This year, the term stimulus cheque has resurfaced as some taxpayers have mistaken their tax refund with a potential exceptional payout.

Although no fresh stimulus checks have been approved at this time, the IRS is still sending refunds as usual, and many people are waiting for them. Knowing where you are in the process might help you avoid unneeded stress and better organise your personal or family budget.

When does my IRS tax refund arrive?

The IRS issues tax refunds based on various factors, including the date the return was filed and whether it was filed online or on paper. In general, taxpayers who filed online and chose direct deposit receive their money within 21 business days of their return being accepted.

The following is a guide that shows the correlation between the filing date and the projected refund date:

• Filing a return on April 1 leads to an estimated refund on April 22.
• Filed return on April 3; reimbursement expected on April 24.
• Filing a return on April 5 leads to an estimated refund on April 28.
• Return submitted on April 8 → Refund expected on May 1.
• Return submitted on April 10; refund projected on May 5.
• Return filed on April 12 → Refund estimated on May 7
• The deadline for filing a return is April 15. Refund expected on May 10

These dates are estimates and may change if the IRS requests additional information, detects problems, or manually reviews the return. Furthermore, individuals who requested an extension may receive their refund much later, depending on when they completed the filing procedure.

How can I check my tax refund?

The IRS offers several tools to check the status of your tax refund. The most popular is the “Where’s My Refund?” application, which may be found on the IRS’s official website. To check the status of your refund, simply input three crucial pieces of information: your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the precise amount of your projected refund.

You can also check this information using the IRS2Go smartphone app, which is available for Android and iOS devices. Both alternatives provide real-time updates on the status of your refund, from the moment your return is submitted until it is accepted and the money is transferred.

If it has been more than 21 days since the electronic filing and you have not received your refund, the IRS recommends contacting the agency immediately or talking with an attorney. Delays might occur owing to errors, suspected fraud, or the necessity for extra verification.

Keeping your documents organised and properly filed is critical to ensuring that the process goes well. In the meantime, checking the status of your tax return occasionally might give you peace of mind and help you anticipate its arrival.