Tax season can be stressful, especially if you are filing for the first time. Whether you’re in New York or anywhere else in the U.S., knowing when and how to file your taxes is essential to receive your refund on time. This guide covers important dates, refund timelines, and how to track your refund easily.
When Does the 2025 Tax Season Start and End?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the 2025 tax season begins on January 27, 2025. This is the first day you can start filing your tax returns.
The final deadline to file your taxes is April 15, 2025. Missing this deadline may result in penalties or delays in receiving your refund, so make sure to file before the due date.
New IRS Features for 2025 Tax Season
The IRS has introduced new features this year to make the tax filing process easier for everyone:
- Virtual text and voice assistants to help answer your tax questions.
- Scam alerts to protect you from fraud during the tax season.
- Expansion of IRS Individual Online Account for better access to your tax information and filing status.
These updates aim to make tax filing simpler and more secure for taxpayers.
When Can You Expect Your Tax Refund?
Once you’ve filed your tax return, the IRS usually processes refunds within 21 days if you e-file your return. However, if you file an amended return by mail, the processing time can take a month or even longer.
Payment Methods for Receiving Your Tax Refund
You can receive your tax refund through several methods. Choose the one that works best for you:
- Direct Deposit: The fastest way to get your refund directly into your bank account.
- Paper Check: Sent through mail, but takes longer.
- Prepaid Debit Card: A reloadable card where your refund is deposited.
- Mobile Payment Apps: Apps like PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo that accept direct deposits.
How to Track Your Tax Refund
Tracking your tax refund is easy with the IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool. Here’s how it works:
- You can check the status 24 hours after e-filing your return.
- If you mailed your return, you can track it four weeks after filing.
- The tool shows three stages: Return Received, Refund Approved, and Refund Sent.
- Once approved, it might take up to five days for your refund to appear in your bank account or several weeks if you’re receiving a check by mail.
To track your refund, visit the IRS website at irs.gov.
Filing taxes might seem challenging, but with the right information and tools, it becomes much easier. The 2025 tax season starts on January 27 and ends on April 15, so don’t wait until the last minute. Use the IRS tools for a smooth filing process, choose a fast refund method like direct deposit, and track your refund status online. Staying updated with new IRS features will help you avoid scams and file your taxes correctly and on time.
