IRS Announces Opening Day for Tax Filing. How to Get Your Refund Faster

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the 2025 tax filing season will begin on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. This marks the start of the period when taxpayers can file their federal income tax returns for the 2024 tax year. With the tax deadline set for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, millions of Americans will be preparing to file their returns and eagerly awaiting their refunds.

As the IRS kicks off the 2025 tax filing season, taxpayers are eager to know how to get their refunds as quickly as possible. The IRS estimates that most refunds will be issued in fewer than 21 calendar days for electronically filed returns, compared to about four weeks for paper returns. However, several factors can influence the IRS's ability to process and issue refunds within the 21-day estimate.

One of the main factors affecting refund processing times is the PATH Act (Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015) restrictions. The PATH Act requires the IRS to hold refunds for certain tax filers until mid-February to verify their eligibility for certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This can delay refund payments for some early filers.

In addition to PATH Act restrictions, the IRS may pull tax returns for additional identity fraud and security checks, which can extend the processing time. Some tax returns may require special handling or manual agency reviews, further delaying the refund payment process. The IRS processes tax returns in cycles, and the cycle code assigned to a tax return can also affect when the refund is paid.

To ensure their refunds are processed and paid as quickly as possible, taxpayers can employ several strategies:

1. File Electronically: The IRS encourages taxpayers to file their returns electronically, as e-filed returns are processed faster than paper returns.
2. Direct Deposit: Taxpayers can choose to receive their refunds via direct deposit into their bank account. This method is faster than receiving a paper check, as direct deposit refunds are typically deposited within a few days of approval.
3. File Early: The IRS begins accepting tax returns on Jan. 27, 2025. Filing as early as possible can help taxpayers get their refunds faster, as the IRS processes returns on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Avoid Errors: Ensuring that the tax return is accurate and complete can help prevent delays in processing. Common errors that can cause delays include incorrect Social Security numbers, incorrect bank account information for direct deposit, and missing or incorrect names and addresses.
5. Use IRS Free File: The IRS Free File program, available only on IRS.gov, provides millions of taxpayers nationwide access to free software tools offered by trusted IRS Free File partners. Using these tools can help taxpayers file their returns accurately and efficiently.
6. Check Refund Status: Taxpayers can use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool to check the status of their refund within 24 hours of e-filing. This tool can help taxpayers track their refund and ensure that it is being processed correctly.
7. Be Patient: While the IRS aims to process refunds as quickly as possible, taxpayers should be patient and allow the full 21 days for processing before contacting the IRS for an update on their refund status.

By following these strategies, taxpayers can help ensure that their refunds are processed and paid as quickly as possible. The IRS reminds taxpayers that the best way to get their refunds quickly is to file electronically, choose direct deposit, and file as early as possible. With the 2025 tax filing season now underway, taxpayers can take steps to ensure a smooth and efficient tax filing process.