The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has not yet finished paying out tax refunds and continues to analyze, process, and send checks across the United States. The federal tax agency is primarily processing tax refunds filed electronically during May.
Returns submitted by e-file with direct deposit, specifically between May 16 and May 31, are being paid either during the first few days of June or during the second half of the same month, depending on the status of each tax return.
Tens of millions of dollars in tax refunds are being sent out in the coming days
Refunds for the aforementioned group (those who filed their tax returns between May 16 and May 31) are being distributed between June 6 and June 19. Those who selected to receive a paper check began receiving it between June 13 and June 26. Paper returns submitted by mail will be processed later.
Processing is primarily scheduled for July, depending on available operational capacity. The order of processing strictly follows the date of receipt by the tax authority.
How to speed up your tax refund: The IRS’ advice
The filing method is extremely important for speed. Electronic returns combined with direct deposit offer the shortest turnaround times. The IRS indicates that these refunds are typically completed within 10 to 21 business days after acceptance.
If you’ve opted for a paper check, well, you have a problem there, because physical payment processing takes the IRS longer than bank deposits. They can require up to six to eight weeks for full review and subsequent payment. The workload associated with physical handling explains this substantial difference.
Errors and other circumstances that can delay your tax refund
Certain tax credits trigger mandatory anti-fraud reviews. Returns that include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC) are examined more closely. These additional checks can postpone your refund by several days or weeks.
Some errors or inconsistencies in the reported data also slow down the process. Issues with the Social Security number (SSN), incorrect banking information for deposits, or income discrepancies require correction.
Identity verification requests or unresolved outstanding correspondence also temporarily halt processing. The taxpayer must respond to reactivate their case.
Keep in mind that tax refunds could also be delayed due to something beyond your control: the budget cuts ordered by Donald Trump’s federal government. The Department of Finance eliminated at least 6,700 jobs, resulting in overloaded functions for other officials.
Average refund amounts in 2025
Official estimates and reports indicate average refunds specific to this season. Consolidated data places these amounts between $2,945 and $3,221. This range reflects analyses based on returns processed through mid-year.
Initial figures reported at the beginning of the season were lower. One report put the average at $1,928, or $2,069 specifically for direct deposits. These figures were described as preliminary and likely underestimated, so they could rise or fall as payments progress, leading up to the final delivery.
