File Your 2025 Federal Taxes for Free
Filing taxes with FreeTaxUSA is quick and easy, but many people want to know how long their tax refund will take. Your refund time mainly depends on the IRS processing system, not the tax software itself. Below is a clear explanation of the FreeTaxUSA refund timeline for 2025.
After you submit your tax return through FreeTaxUSA, it is sent electronically to the IRS. Once the IRS accepts your return, they begin reviewing and processing your refund. If there are no errors, most refunds are issued within a few weeks.
Step 1: File Your Tax Return
Complete your federal tax return on FreeTaxUSA and submit it online after reviewing all information carefully.
Step 2: IRS Receives Your Return
Your electronically filed return usually reaches the IRS within 24 to 48 hours.
Step 3: IRS Accepts the Return
The IRS checks your return for basic errors. Once approved, your return status shows as accepted.
Step 4: Refund Processing
The IRS starts calculating and processing your refund amount. This stage may take several days.
Step 5: Refund Approval
After processing, the IRS approves your refund and prepares it for payment.
Step 6: Refund Sent to You
Direct deposit: usually within 8 to 21 days
Paper check: may take 3 to 4 weeks
Some common reasons refunds take longer include:
Claiming credits like Child Tax Credit or EITC
Incorrect or missing information
IRS identity verification
Filing a paper tax return
File your tax return electronically
Choose direct deposit instead of a paper check
Double-check all details before submitting
File early in the tax season
Most taxpayers using FreeTaxUSA receive their refund within 21 days if their return is accurate and complete. Filing early and online is the best way to get your money faster.