When can I expect an IRS tax refund? Here’s how long it takes and how to track it

Tax season starts Monday.

That’s when the IRS starts accepting tax returns.

Many Americans are counting on refunds. A A recent study More than a third of taxpayers rely on their tax refunds to make ends meet, according to Qualtrics for Intuit Credit Karma. This rate was 50% higher among millennials.

The survey of 1,000 American adults also found that “about half (45%) of those who rely on their repayments to meet their income depend on the cost of living and the cost of living (ie, housing, groceries).” Others point to inflation. (41%), living wage to paycheck (37%) and depleted savings (21%).

Whether you’re one of them or just looking for your money, here’s where you can expect your tax refund and how to track it.

Do you have to file your own taxes? When to bring in tax professionals and how to find them

It depends on how you file your taxes and how you choose to receive your refund.

If you file electronically and your return is accurate and complete, the IRS says it should take less than three weeks to receive your refund, and less if you choose direct deposit.

If you file a paper return, the return must be issued within six to eight weeks from the date the IRS receives the file, assuming it is accurate and complete.

Once you file your taxes, you can Track your refund on the IRS website.

To do this you need the following

The IRS says information is updated overnight once a day. And after a refund is sent, it “may take up to 5 days to appear in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.”

If there is an issue on your tax return that requires additional information or further review, the IRS will send you a letter. Refunds may be delayed.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here’s how to track your 2025 tax refund and when to expect it