As April ends, the IRS has begun reviewing 2024 tax returns and issuing refunds. Budget and staffing cuts may delay refunds, particularly for paper filers.
Paper returns received between May 1 and May 15, 2025, are projected to get refunds between June 26 and July 10. Those filed from May 16 to May 31 should see refunds between July 11 and July 25.
E-filers enjoy faster processing. Taxpayers who e-filed between May 1 and May 15 and opted for direct deposit can expect refunds between May 22 and June 4, while those choosing a mailed check should receive funds between May 29 and June 11. For e-filed returns from May 16 to May 31, direct deposit refunds are expected June 6 to June 19; mailed checks June 13 to June 26.
The IRS’s new Direct File program simplifies simple filings and accelerates processing. The average refund this season is about $2,939. Taxpayers can track their refund status using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, which updates information almost immediately for e-filed returns but may take up to four weeks after a paper return is mailed. Returns with errors or missing information may face additional delays. Taxpayers should verify their details.
