Tax season is officially in full swing, and millions of Americans are filing their federal tax returns.

However, the IRS has issued a heads-up: some refunds may take longer to process than usual.

While many taxpayers expect their refunds within the standard 21-day timeframe, certain credits require extra verification, which could cause delays.

Why Some Refunds Take Longer

The IRS reminds taxpayers that not all refunds are processed at the same speed.

If you’re claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), expect to wait a little longer.

These credits fall under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, which means the IRS is legally required to hold these refunds until at least mid-February to conduct additional identity checks.

For taxpayers who qualify for these credits, the IRS estimates that refunds will start hitting bank accounts or prepaid debit cards around March 3 at the earliest.

But keep in mind that federal holidays and weekends can also slow things down.

Don’t Count on an Exact Refund Date

While many people rely on their tax refunds for big purchases or to cover bills, the IRS strongly advises against planning around a specific refund date.

Processing times can vary based on a variety of factors, including how you file, whether your return has errors, and whether additional verification is needed.

If you want your refund as quickly as possible, filing electronically and opting for direct deposit is your best bet.

What’s New for This Year’s Tax Season?

While the process of filing taxes remains mostly the same, there are a few important updates this year.

Selling Items Online: If you sold items online through platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace, be mindful of potential tax implications.
Electric Vehicle Credits: If you purchased an electric vehicle last year, make sure you understand how federal tax credits apply to your return.
Expanded Free Filing Options: More Americans will be able to file their taxes for free through the expanded IRS Direct File program.

Key Deadlines to Keep in Mind

For most taxpayers, the deadline to file 2024 tax returns is April 15.

If you live in Los Angeles County and were affected by recent wildfires, or if you qualify for disaster tax relief, you’ll have until October 15 to file.

If you’re unable to file by April 15, you can request a six-month extension, which gives you until October 15 to submit your return.

However, this only extends the deadline to file—not the deadline to pay any taxes owed.

Any taxes due must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

More People Qualify for Free Filing

One of the biggest changes this year is the expansion of the IRS Direct File program.

This service allows eligible taxpayers to file their returns directly with the IRS for free.

Last year, only 12 states offered this option, but in 2025, it has been expanded to 25 states, including:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The IRS estimates that over 30 million people are now eligible for this free service, making tax filing more accessible than ever.

Looking Ahead

The IRS expects to receive over 140 million individual tax returns this year.

In 2024, the average tax refund was $3,138, so many Americans are eager to see what they’ll get back this time around.

If you’re expecting a refund, the best advice is to file as soon as possible and avoid relying on it for urgent financial needs.

While most refunds are processed within a few weeks, some may take longer, so a little patience goes a long way this tax season!

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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