The timing for your tax refund depends on how you filed your return and the processing times of the tax authority:
- For U.S. federal taxes in 2025, if you e-filed your return and requested direct deposit, refunds are typically processed within 21 days after the IRS accepts your return. You can check your refund status starting 24 hours after acceptance using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool or the IRS2Go app. Mailed paper returns usually take 4 to 8 weeks to process refunds. Processing delays, errors, or additional reviews may extend this timeframe.
- If you're referring to tax refunds from a tax office outside the U.S. (e.g., Germany), processing the tax assessment generally takes 6 to 12 weeks after submitting the return, and the refund typically happens at the same time as the assessment. For German tax offices, 3 to 8 weeks is an average wait time after filing.
For the fastest refund, filing electronically with direct deposit is recommended. You should also verify that your tax return was accepted and track your refund status with the official tax authority tools. If you experience significant delays, contacting the tax office or IRS may help clarify your refund status.
If you specify which country's tax refund you are asking about, I can provide more precise information.
