Thousands of taxpayers in the United States are about to receive their tax refunds. If you filed your return recently, you need to understand the actual deadlines and what to do if the money is delayed. It may arrive on time, but it may also be delayed, and in both scenarios, we’ll tell you the basics you need to know.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically issues tax refunds within an average of 21 days, but there are certain reasons or issues that could cause that timeframe to take a little—or sometimes a lot—longer.
Why might your tax refund be delayed?
Several factors can extend the wait beyond the typical 21 days for electronic filings:
- Special Credits: If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS typically holds these funds until February to verify the data and prevent fraud.
- Identity Issues: Questions about the correct use of your SSN can stall the process.
- IRS Debts: Your refund could be used to settle outstanding taxes or child support arrears.
- How You Receive the Money: Choosing a postal check adds weeks (or months) compared to direct deposit. Paper statements also slow things down.
- Force Majeure: Banking or postal service delays affect delivery times.
Track your tax refund check with a free IRS tool
Has it been more than 21 days since the IRS accepted your digital return? Use their official “Where’s My Refund?” tool:
- Go to the IRS website.
- You will need your Social Security Number (or ITIN if you are a legal resident).
- Please indicate your declared marital status (single, married, etc.).
- Provides the exact amount of the expected refund.
The tool is updated daily. If it doesn’t answer your question, please call 800-829-1954 for personalized assistance.
Based on the IRS schedule for 2025, these are the projected windows based on when and how you filed your 2024 return:
- If you filed your return around April 15 (deadline):
- Estimated Direct Deposit: June 6-19
- Check by mail estimated: between June 13 and 26
- Not applicable for paper declarations
- If you filed between May 1 and 15:
- Estimated Direct Deposit: May 22 – June 4
- Check by mail estimated: between May 29 and June 11
- Paper return: refund due by July 10
- If you filed between May 16 and May 31:
- Estimated Direct Deposit: June 6-19
- Check by mail estimated: between June 13 and 26
The average IRS refund for 2025 is $3,116, a figure that reflects significant changes in tax policy and economic conditions. To better understand this amount, let’s see how it compares to previous years.
Refund amounts have shown steady growth, starting at $2,827 in 2021 (affected by pandemic measures and stimulus packages), rising to $3,039 in 2022 thanks to temporary tax credits, and stabilizing at $3,054 in 2023 with inflation adjustments. By 2024, the average reached $3,088, while in 2025 it set a new record of $3,116, representing a 1% increase over the previous year.