The 2025 tax season has officially wrapped up, but the work for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is still going strong. Millions of Americans have already filed their tax returns and are now waiting for their tax refunds. Some people have even mistaken these refunds for a stimulus check, leading to a bit of confusion.
While no new federal stimulus check has been approved for 2025 so far, the IRS is actively processing tax returns and sending out refunds to eligible taxpayers. If you’re wondering when your money will arrive—or how to track it—this guide explains everything you need to know.
Is There a New Stimulus Check in 2025?
At the moment, there is no official stimulus check being sent out by the U.S. government. The term “stimulus check” has popped up again because many people are receiving refunds and mistakenly thinking they’re part of a new stimulus plan.
In reality, what most people are seeing is simply their regular tax refund based on the taxes they filed for the 2024 tax year.
When Will My IRS Tax Refund Arrive?
The timeline for receiving your tax refund depends on how and when you filed. If you submitted your return electronically and chose direct deposit, you’ll usually receive your refund within 21 business days after the IRS accepts your return.
Here’s a quick look at estimated refund dates based on filing dates:
Filed on April 1 → Refund expected by April 22
Filed on April 3 → Refund expected by April 24
Filed on April 5 → Refund expected by April 28
Filed on April 8 → Refund expected by May 1
Filed on April 10 → Refund expected by May 5
Filed on April 12 → Refund expected by May 7
Filed on April 15 (Deadline) → Refund expected by May 10
Keep in mind that these are estimates. Refunds may take longer if:
- There are errors in your tax return.
- The return is flagged for manual review.
- The IRS needs more information to verify details.
If you filed a paper return or requested an extension, your refund might take longer to process.
How Can I Check the Status of My Refund?
You don’t have to guess when your refund is coming. The IRS offers two reliable ways to check your status:
1. “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website
Just enter your Social Security number (or ITIN), filing status, and the exact refund amount to see real-time updates.
2. IRS2Go mobile app
This official app works on Android and iOS devices and provides the same information as the website in a mobile-friendly format.
These tools let you track your refund’s progress from the time your return is received, processed, and approved to when the refund is sent out.
If more than 21 days have passed since your e-filing and you still haven’t received your refund, it’s a good idea to:
- Call the IRS directly for updates.
- Consult a tax professional or attorney, especially if fraud or verification delays are suspected.
What If I Filed for an Extension?
If you requested an extension, your return is due by October 15, 2025. However, the longer you wait to file, the later you’ll receive your refund. The IRS won’t process your refund until your return is submitted and approved—even if your extension is valid.
So if you want your refund sooner, try to file as early as possible—even if you have until October.
Even though the 2025 tax season deadline has passed, millions of Americans are still waiting on their IRS tax refunds. While some may have confused refunds with stimulus checks, there is no new stimulus check currently being issued. If you filed on time and your return was error-free, you can usually expect your refund within three weeks.
Use the IRS tools online or on the IRS2Go app to track your payment, and if there are delays, follow up directly. Staying organized, filing early, and double-checking your return are the best ways to ensure your refund arrives smoothly and on time.
