The IRS begins accepting and processing tax returns in late January, but the exact start date shifts slightly each year

The IRS does not process returns on a fixed calendar date. Instead, the agency announces a start date each winter, usually in early January, and that date typically falls in late January. For the 2024 tax year, the IRS began accepting returns on January 29, 2024. For 2025, the start date was January 27, 2025. The delay between New Year and filing season exists because the IRS needs time to update systems, test software, and prepare for the volume of returns that arrives once filing opens.

The start date applies to all filing methods—paper returns, e-filed returns through tax software, and returns filed through a tax professional. However, the IRS does not process all returns at the same speed. Returns filed early in the season are generally processed faster than those filed in March or April, when volume peaks.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS announces its filing season start date in early January each year, and it typically falls between late January and early February.
  • Filing your return as soon as the season opens does not may provide a faster refund, but filing later in the season often means slower processing.
  • The IRS publishes a "Where's My Refund?" tool on its website that shows the status of your specific return once it has been received and processed.
  • Refunds are issued by the IRS to your bank account or mailed as a check, depending on the method you chose when you filed.
  • If you have not received your refund within 21 days of filing, you can check the status using your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.

How to learn about the IRS has started processing returns this year

Visit irs.gov and look for the "Filing Season" or "Tax Season" section on the homepage. The IRS posts the official start date prominently each January. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the current year's start date, though wait times are typically long during filing season.

If you are unsure whether you have already filed, check your email for a confirmation from the tax software you used or from your tax preparer. The IRS does not send confirmation emails directly to taxpayers; confirmation comes from the service you used to file.

When to expect your refund after filing

The IRS aims to issue most refunds within 21 days of receiving your return. This timeline applies whether you file on the first day of the season or in mid-April. However, "21 days" is a target, not a may provide, and several factors can delay processing: missing or incorrect information on your return, a mismatch between your return and IRS records, identity verification requirements, or straightforward the volume of returns the IRS is processing that week.

If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit to your bank account, the refund typically arrives within that 21-day window or shortly after. If you requested a paper check, add 7 to 10 business days to the processing time for mailing.

Using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool

The most reliable way to track your refund is the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool, available on irs.gov. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in a single day will not show new information.

The tool will show one of three statuses: "Return Received" (the IRS has your return but has not finished processing it), "Refund Approved" (the IRS has processed your return and approved the refund), or "Refund Sent" (the refund has been issued). If your status shows "Refund Sent," the tool will also display the date the refund was sent and the method (direct deposit or check).

What to do if your refund is delayed beyond 21 days

First, use the "Where's My Refund?" tool to confirm the current status. If the tool shows "Refund Sent" but you have not received the money, the delay is likely in transit—either your bank is processing the deposit, or the check is in the mail. Contact your bank to confirm they have received the direct deposit; if they have not, ask them to check the routing and account number on your return.

If the tool shows "Return Received" or "Refund Approved" but more than 21 days have passed since you filed, the IRS may be reviewing your return for errors or requesting additional information. Check your email and postal mail for any notices from the IRS. If you do not see a notice and the tool provides no explanation, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your return and Social Security number ready.

Why some returns take longer to process

The IRS prioritizes returns in the order they are received, but certain returns are flagged for additional review. These include returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), or returns with unusually large deductions or credits relative to reported income. Returns filed by people with a history of identity theft or fraud also receive extra scrutiny.

If your return includes a claim for EITC or ACTC, the IRS is required by law to hold your refund until mid-February, even if your return is otherwise complete and correct. This delay exists to reduce fraud and is not something you can avoid or speed up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my return before the IRS filing season officially starts?

You can prepare your return and have it ready, but the IRS will not accept it electronically until the official start date. If you mail a paper return before the start date, the IRS will receive it but will not process it until after the season opens. Filing early does not give you an advantage once the season begins.

What if I filed my return but the "Where's My Refund?" tool says it has no record?

Wait at least 24 hours after filing before checking the tool; it does not update in real time. If the tool still shows no record after 24 hours, verify that you entered your information correctly (Social Security number, filing status, exact refund amount). If the information is correct and the tool still shows nothing, contact the IRS or your tax preparer to confirm the return was actually filed.

Do I have to wait for my refund, or can I get it faster?

You cannot speed up IRS processing. Some tax software companies offer "refund advances" or "rapid refunds," but these are loans against your expected refund, not the actual refund from the IRS. You pay interest or fees for this service, so it is usually not worth the cost unless you need the money when ready and cannot wait.

What if I made a mistake on my return after I filed it?

If you filed electronically and realize you made an error, wait until you receive your refund, then file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Do not file an amended return before the IRS processes your original return. If you filed a paper return and caught the error before the IRS processes it, contact the IRS when ready to see if they can stop processing and accept a corrected version.