As of June 2025, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is actively processing tax refunds for the 2024 tax year. Many taxpayers are receiving refunds averaging around $2,945, with some amounts reaching up to $3,000. These refunds apply to individuals who filed their federal income tax returns between mid-April and May and overpaid their taxes. Taxpayers can track their refunds using the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website by providing their Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. Refunds are typically processed within 21 days; however, delays may occur due to factors such as paper filings, errors in bank or personal information, incomplete documentation, or claims for certain benefits. Utilizing e-filing, including the IRS’s Direct File system, and opting for direct deposit can expedite refund processing. Meanwhile, due to FEMA-declared natural disasters, the IRS has granted tax filing and payment extensions to 12 states, with deadlines extended as late as November 3 for affected areas in states like North Carolina, California, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia. A complete list of eligible regions and details is available online.
Refund Processing Timelines
The IRS usually handles tax returns submitted online (e-filed) within about 21 days. On the other hand, if you mail your tax return, it may take longer—often between 4 to 8 weeks—because it has to be reviewed manually. How fast you get your refund depends on how you filed and how you asked to receive your money. If you filed between May 1 and May 15, 2025, and used e-file with direct deposit, you could get your refund between May 22 and June 4. But if you mailed your return, your refund might arrive between June 26 and July 10. For those who filed between May 16 and May 31, e-filing could lead to refunds arriving between June 6 and June 19, while paper filers might need to wait until between July 11 and July 25.
Transition to Electronic Refunds
An executive order signed in March 2025 mandates that the IRS will discontinue issuing paper checks for tax refunds starting September 30, 2025. This move aims to streamline the refund process and enhance security. It's a good idea for taxpayers to give the correct bank details so their refund can be sent directly to their account without delays.. The transition to electronic refunds is part of a broader effort to modernize the IRS's operations and improve efficiency in processing refunds.
Tracking Your Refund
People who are waiting for their tax refund can check its progress through the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website. To use it, you’ll need to enter your Social Security number, the type of tax return you filed, and the exact amount of your refund. If you sent your tax return by mail, it might take up to four weeks before your information shows up in the system. This tool gives live updates, so you can see what stage your refund is at and know when to expect your money
Common Causes for Refund Delays
Several factors can lead to delays in receiving tax refunds:
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Filing Errors: Mistakes such as incorrect Social Security numbers or misreported income can slow down processing.
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Incomplete Documentation: Missing forms or schedules can result in additional review time.
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Claims for Certain Credits: Returns claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit may undergo extra scrutiny.
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Paper Filing: As mentioned, paper returns take longer to process due to manual handling.
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Banking Issues: Incorrect bank account information can delay direct deposits.
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