Expecting a Tax Refund? See If Yours Arrives Between May 12 and 18

Tax season always makes people feel a bit of stress and a lot of excitement at the same time.

Refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are the most-anticipated moment for thousands of people in the United States. The extra money can make a big difference in their economy.

The IRS says that most refunds are processed within 10 to 21 days. However, this time frame is not the same for everyone; it depends on things like when the tax return is made, how it is sent, and what tax credits are claimed.

E-filed returns are handled faster than paper returns, so the IRS schedule helps people who choose to do that. Also, if you choose direct deposit over getting a check in the mail, the money can get to you much faster.

But some tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC), make the return take longer to arrive. Even with these possible hurdles, people are still very excited; many are counting down the days until they can see this money in their accounts.

Schedule for refunds based on filing and shipping method:

From one to three weeks for electronic filing and direct pay
Paper filing and check: one month
Three weeks for bill mail and direct payment
Bill by mail and check: two months

Who gets their deposit between May 12 and May 18?

People who online filed their tax return between April 15 and April 28 and chose direct deposit should get their refund between May 12 and May 18, 2025.