The IRS began processing tax returns Monday. For filers who submit their returns electronically using direct deposit, refunds are generally issued in less than 21 days. There is a caution from the tax agency, however, that urges “taxpayers not to rely on receiving refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills.

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 2025 tax season officially kicked off on Monday, when the Internal Revenue Service began accepting and processing individual income tax returns at 9 a.m. This means that you could be more likely to receive your tax refund sometime in February — if you file early.

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.

The Internal Revenue Service starts tax season 2025 Monday with some changes and an expansion of the Direct File program. Why it matters: The free online tax-filing program is reshaping how millions of Americans do their taxes.