Some dread doing taxes and wait until the last minute. But millions of others file early to get their tax refunds. What to expect in tax season 2025.

Tax season is underway, and the IRS expects 140 million people will file returns by April 15. If you file your tax return electronically, the IRS says it should take 21 days or fewer to receive your refund.

It is tax season once again. Monday marked the first day people can file their 2024 year taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. While many of us will file in the coming months, early filers are already wondering when they will see a refund check or direct deposit.

The good news? Things are actually getting better at the IRS. The head of the National Taxpayer Advocate, a watchdog agency that observes the IRS, said in its 2024 report that “For the first time since I became the National Taxpayer Advocate in 2020, I can begin this report with good news: The taxpayer experience has noticeably improved.”

The only "reward" at the end of the tax filing process for many is the hope of a tax refund. The bigger, the better, right? Not exactly. While a tax refund is certainly better than a tax bill,