The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially projected that most U.S. taxpayers will receive their 2025 tax refunds between April 9 and April 15. This timeline includes both digital and paper filers, but the waiting period varies significantly depending on how the return was submitted.
Digital vs. Paper: Big Difference in Processing Times
According to the IRS, taxpayers who filed electronically between March 19 and April 8, 2025, can expect refunds within 21 days of submission — assuming no errors. By contrast, those who submitted paper returns between February 13 and March 20 may wait 4 to 8 weeks after the IRS receives their documents.
The IRS prioritizes digital returns because they are easier to process, with fewer manual checks required. Digital returns are typically processed in about three weeks, while paper returns involve manual scanning and verification, making them far slower.
Same Refund Dates — But Not the Same Experience
Interestingly, while both groups are expected to receive refunds during the same April window, those who filed by paper had to submit their returns up to 35 days earlier just to stay on the same schedule. A taxpayer who mailed their return on February 13, for example, may not see their refund until the end of March — totaling up to 63 days of delay.
An anonymous tax professional confirmed:
“Refunds for paper returns can take 28 to 56 days after receipt, while 90% of electronic refunds are issued in less than 21 days if there are no issues.”
Why Filing Digitally Makes Sense
Tax professionals continue to recommend digital filing. It not only speeds up the refund process but also reduces the risk of mail delays or lost documents. Still, about 10% of taxpayers prefer mailing their returns, often due to habit, distrust in digital systems, or complexity of their tax situation.
Regardless of the method used, the IRS urges filers to double-check their information, including:
- Bank account and routing numbers
- Home address
- Deductions and income figures
Even minor errors can delay a refund by weeks. To track the status of your refund, the IRS recommends using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
Refund Timeline Recap:
- Digital returns:
- Filing period: March 19 – April 8
- Processing time: Up to 21 days
- Refunds expected: April 9 – 15
- Paper returns:
- Mailing period: February 13 – March 20
- Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks after receipt
- Refunds expected: April 9 – 15
The overlapping refund dates may seem fair, but they reveal a hidden disadvantage for paper filers, who often face much longer overall delays. For taxpayers counting on that refund, the filing method could make a major difference.