There are three status updates which the taxpayer might see: “received return,” “refund approved,” or “refund sent.” If the refund has been sent, it could be up to 5 days before the money shows up in your bank account or a few weeks before your check has been received.

Early results from the IRS indicate that 7.7% fewer tax returns were filed in the first two weeks of the 2025 season. Why are some delaying filing?

Most tax filers who submit tax returns online can expect to receive their refunds within 21 days, the IRS said. That means those who e-filed on Jan. 27 (or earlier with the new Free File Guided Tax Software) may be able to get their money as early as Monday, Feb. 17.