How are tax returns being processed in 2025? What's the turnaround time?

The IRS is currently stating they expect to process electronically filed returns with direct deposit in approximately 21 days for straightforward returns. However, that's their standard timeline - I've been seeing many clients receive refunds much faster this year. Returns with certain tax credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit) will likely face additional processing time, as these require more thorough review. Paper-filed returns are still taking significantly longer - up to 6-8 weeks minimum. Your best bet for tracking your refund is using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app. It typically updates 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.

I had the same worry about slow processing times but I used taxr.ai to review all my documents before submitting and my refund came super quick! I filed on January 30th and had my direct deposit by February 8th - way faster than last year when it took nearly a month. I was especially worried because I had a bunch of different income sources (W-2, some freelance work, and some stock sales) but the tool at https://taxr.ai helped me organize everything and check for potential flags that might delay processing. It analyzes your forms and lets you know if anything might trigger a longer review.

Just wanted to update that I decided to try taxr.ai after all. I was initially skeptical about how it would handle my rental property and foreign tax credit situation, but it was actually incredibly helpful! It found a mistake in how I was calculating depreciation that honestly might have triggered a review. My return was accepted on February 12th and my refund hit my account on February 22nd - just 10 days! Based on previous years, I was expecting to wait at least a month given the complexity of my return. The $835 refund is already in my account and I didn't have to stress about potential delays.

If you're still waiting on your refund and it's past the 21-day mark, I highly recommend using Claimyr to actually get someone at the IRS on the phone. Last year I waited 9 weeks with no update on the Where's My Refund tool, and the automated system was useless. I found this service at https://claimyr.com that basically waits on hold with the IRS for you. There's a demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c that shows how it works. When they finally get through to an agent, they connect you directly. I was able to find out my return had been flagged for review due to a simple address mismatch, and the agent resolved it while I was on the call.

I need to publicly eat my words here. After posting my skeptical comment yesterday, I decided to try Claimyr out of sheer desperation. I honestly didn't think it would work, but I was at my wit's end after trying to reach the IRS for three weeks. The service actually got me connected to an IRS representative in about 45 minutes (while I just went about my day). Turns out my return had been held up because they couldn't verify my identity. The agent was able to verify me over the phone, and she told me my refund should be processed within 7-10 days now. If I hadn't called, I might have been waiting for months with no idea what was wrong.

Data point: E-filed with direct deposit on February 2nd, refund hit my account on February 11th. Super fast compared to previous years! I have a simple return though - just one W-2 and standard deduction.

Has anyone had experience with amended returns this year? I realized I forgot to include a 1099 and had to file an amended return about two weeks ago. No idea how long that'll take to process.

Based on what I'm seeing from others' experiences here, it looks like processing times are definitely better this year than in 2024. The 21-day timeline seems to be holding true for most straightforward returns, with many people getting refunds even faster. Since you e-filed last week, I'd expect you should see your refund within the next 2-3 weeks if everything goes smoothly. The "Where's My Refund?" tool should update about 24 hours after your return is accepted, so definitely keep checking that. One thing that might help ease your anxiety - if you haven't already, make sure your bank account info was entered correctly when you filed. Direct deposit is much faster than waiting for a paper check. And if you're past the 21-day mark with no updates, that's when I'd consider calling the IRS (though as others mentioned, getting through can be challenging). Hope you get your refund soon for those car repairs!

I filed on February 5th and got my refund deposited on February 18th - so 13 days total! Much faster than I expected. I have a relatively straightforward return (W-2, some student loan interest deduction, and child tax credit), but I was still pleasantly surprised by the speed. One tip that might help while you're waiting - if you have the IRS app or access to your online account, you can also check the status there in addition to the "Where's My Refund?" tool. Sometimes one updates before the other. For your car repairs, if the refund doesn't come through in time, some auto shops offer payment plans or might work with you on timing if you explain the situation. Hope your refund comes through quickly!

Just wanted to add another data point to help ease your anxiety! I filed my return on January 28th and received my refund via direct deposit on February 10th - exactly 13 days, which was amazing compared to last year when I waited almost 5 weeks. My situation was a bit more complex too - I had W-2 income, some 1099-MISC freelance work, and claimed the American Opportunity Tax Credit for college expenses. I was worried the education credit might slow things down since those sometimes get extra scrutiny, but it went through without any issues. The key things that seemed to help: e-filing, direct deposit, and making sure all my documents matched exactly what was reported to the IRS. I also made sure to file during a weekday rather than weekend, though I'm not sure if that actually matters. For your car repairs situation, I totally get the stress of waiting! If it helps, most people in this thread seem to be getting their refunds well within that 21-day window this year. The IRS really does seem to have their act together better than in previous years. Keep checking that "Where's My Refund?" tool - once it shows "approved" you should see the money within a few days after that.