The IRS encourages taxpayers to file their 2025 tax returns electronically and opt for direct deposit for the quickest and most efficient refund processing. E-filing generally results in a refund within 21 days. However, for those who prefer traditional methods, filing by mail remains an option. While mailing a paper return typically extends the refund timeframe to three to eight weeks, the US Postal Service offers a valuable tool called Informed Delivery to track the progress of your refund check. This free service provides email notifications and digital images of incoming mail, allowing taxpayers to anticipate the arrival of their refund.
Informed Delivery operates by leveraging the USPS’s automated sorting system. As mail passes through this system, a digital image of the front of each letter-sized piece is captured. Users enrolled in Informed Delivery receive daily email notifications, Monday through Saturday (excluding federal holidays), containing grayscale images of their incoming mail. This allows for easy identification of important correspondence, including tax refund checks. The service also offers convenient mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, providing users with real-time updates on their mail. While account activation can take up to three days, the benefits of tracking and anticipating mail delivery make the wait worthwhile.
Beyond simply notifying users of incoming mail, Informed Delivery also provides tracking capabilities for packages. While the service cannot generate images of package contents, it does offer tracking updates and allows users to add an electronic signature for deliveries requiring a signature when they are not home. This feature adds an extra layer of convenience and security for those expecting important packages, supplementing the mail tracking functionality.
Setting up Informed Delivery is a straightforward process. Begin by visiting the official USPS Informed Delivery webpage and clicking the “Sign Up for Free” button. Next, provide your email address and select the appropriate account type (Personal for residential addresses, Business for business addresses). Enter your mailing address and confirm that the service is available in your area. After accepting the terms and conditions, create a username and password, and provide your contact information. Finally, verify your identity either online via a verification code sent to your phone, by requesting an invitation code mailed to your address, or by visiting a local post office in person.
While Informed Delivery offers valuable mail tracking capabilities, it’s important to be aware of certain limitations. One notable constraint is the inability to generate images of packages. While package tracking information is available, users will not receive visual previews as they do with letter-sized mail. Additionally, Informed Delivery is not available in all multi-unit residential buildings, particularly those where the USPS has not yet individually identified each unit. It’s recommended to check the Informed Delivery website to confirm service availability at your specific address before signing up.
In summary, the quickest and most convenient way to receive your 2025 tax refund is by filing electronically and selecting direct deposit. However, if you choose to file by mail, the USPS Informed Delivery service provides a valuable tool for tracking the progress of your refund check. This free service offers daily email notifications with images of incoming mail, mobile app access, and package tracking capabilities. While limitations exist regarding package image previews and availability in certain multi-unit residences, Informed Delivery remains a useful resource for managing and anticipating mail deliveries, including your tax refund. By utilizing this service, taxpayers can alleviate some of the uncertainty associated with waiting for their refund to arrive in the mail.
