Where is your 2025 tax refund? IRS layoffs could affect when you receive your refund
Still waiting on your 2025 tax refund? Internal Revenue Service layoffs could cause delays.
More than 6,000 IRS employees are expected to be laid off as Tax Day approaches in just 50 days, with President Trump's administration continuing to make cuts across several federal agencies. Some experts say that a worker shortage could prolong processing times and recommend doing your taxes early.
Could IRS layoffs delay my refund?
In the event of layoffs within the IRS, especially in the middle of tax season, there could be a longer wait time for your refund to arrive. Mass firings could lead to understaffed processing centers and congested customer service, according to certified public accountant Richard Pon when speaking with Paste BN this week.
Want to see the status of your refund? Here's how to track it online.
Where is my refund? Here's how to check your tax refund status
Taxes filed online should receive a refund roughly one month or less from the filing date, according to the IRS. You can typically check your refund status soon after you file using the Where's My Refund tool or call 800-829-1954.
The refund tracker displays three status types:
- Return received
- Refund approved
- Refund sent
How long will it take for my refund to arrive? It depends on how you file
It usually takes up to 21 days to process an e-filed return, or longer for amended returns and returns sent by mail.
The IRS recommends direct deposits as the fastest way to get your refund, rather than a mailed paper check that can take weeks to arrive.
When is the 2025 federal tax filing deadline? How to request an extension
The deadline to file a federal return with the IRS is April 15, 2025.
You can request an extension by the April tax filing due date if you need more time, and this gives you until October 15 to file without any penalties, though any taxes owed still need to be paid by April 15.
What is Ohio's tax filing deadline?
For state taxes, the deadline in Ohio is also April 15, with an extension filing deadline of October 15, 2025.