Millions of Americans are anticipating their 2025 federal tax refunds, and throughout June the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be reviewing and handing out payments via direct deposits and mailed checks.
Why It Matters
Despite budget constraints and potential processing delays, most taxpayers who filed in May should receive their refunds in June—particularly if they filed electronically and opted for direct deposit.
The IRS began processing refunds after the April tax deadline. With an average refund hovering around $2,950, this annual injection of funds can be significant for many households.
However, the actual arrival date of a refund depends heavily on how and when the return was submitted.
When Will Tax Refunds Arrive?
The IRS has laid out specific refund timelines depending on the filing date and method.
Taxpayers who submitted returns electronically with the option of direct deposit between May 1 and May 15 can expect their refunds to arrive from May 22 up to June 4.
If those returns were filed electronically but opted for a mailed check, refunds were expected to arrive between May 29 and June 11.
For paper filers in this window, refunds may arrive as late as July 10.
Those who filed between May 16 and May 31 can anticipate their refunds between June 6 and June 19 for direct deposits, June 13 and June 26 for mailed checks, and July 11 to July 25 for paper filings.
The IRS encourages all taxpayers to use its Where’s My Refund? online portal to track their payment status. This tool provides updates on whether a return has been received, approved, or sent.
How Much is the Average Refund?
The average refund amount for 2025 is approximately $2,939. That figure is slightly higher than last year’s average amount of $2,869, though individual refunds vary based on earnings, withholding, tax credits, and deductions.
Those eligible for refunds are generally taxpayers who overpaid their 2024 tax liabilities. It represents the excess amount withheld or paid during the year compared to what was owed.
However, errors in tax filings, missing documents, or incomplete forms can delay processing.
The IRS’s reduced staffing and budget are also contributing to longer wait times—especially for paper returns, which require manual review.
The IRS recommends that taxpayers ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and that direct deposit information is correct to minimize delays.
Tracking and Delays
The filing method continues to be a major factor in refund speed. E-filing with direct deposit is the fastest method and is typically processed within 21 days, barring issues.
Meanwhile, paper filers must account for potential delays of several additional weeks, particularly if their return requires manual correction or verification.
Taxpayers with questions about their refund status or experiencing a delay beyond the standard processing window are advised to use the IRS’s online tracking tool or contact the IRS directly if the refund has not arrived after 21 days from e-filing, or six weeks from mailing a paper return.
As a reminder, the IRS began accepting individual returns in January, and the deadline for most taxpayers was April 15, 2025.
Those who filed for an extension have until October 15, 2025, to submit their returns, though payment was still due by the April deadline.
With these expectations in place, many Americans should see their 2025 refunds arrive before the end of June, provided all submission details were in order.
Read the full article here
