When to expect your tax refund from the IRS

"Tax filing season is underway, and the IRS expects 164 million people will file returns by April 15. The average refund last year was $3,167. This year, analysts have projected it could be $1,000 higher, thanks to changes in tax law. More than 165 million individual income tax returns were processed last year, with 94% submitted electronically. People with straightforward returns should not encounter delays,"

"Here's what to know: When refunds will go out If you file electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or less to receive your refund. If you choose direct deposit, it should take even less time. If you file a paper return, the refund could take four weeks or more, and if your return requires amendments or corrections, it could take longer."

Tax filing season is underway with the IRS expecting 164 million people to file returns by April 15. The average refund last year was $3,167, and analysts project refunds could be about $1,000 higher this year because of changes in tax law. More than 165 million individual returns were processed last year, with 94% submitted electronically. People with simple returns should not encounter delays. Large-scale departures of IRS customer-service staff since the start of the Trump administration reduced the workforce from about 102,000 at the start of 2025 to roughly 74,000 by year-end. Taxpayers who run into problems may face challenges and slower service.

Read at Fast Company