If you mailed in your federal tax return or filed close to the deadline, chances are you’re still waiting on that refund. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) continues processing these cases, and plenty of taxpayers will see their payments arrive sometime in July. You’re definitely not alone here—so don’t stress. Your money is coming.
Honestly, the fastest route remains e-filing with direct deposit. The IRS usually handles those within 10 to 21 days after acceptance. But if you went the paper route? Processing naturally takes a bit longer. It really depends on your filing date and whether anything flagged your return for manual review.
So who’s getting IRS tax refunds in July?
Well, if your paper return landed at the IRS between May 1st and May 15th, you likely got paid between June 26th and July 10th. Filed between May 16th and May 31st? The IRS expects your refund to hit between July 11th and July 25th.
Still no movement on an e-filed return? Double-check for errors or see if the IRS needs extra info. Credits like the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit sometimes slow things down—they often require additional verification steps.
The main reasons for delays on tax refunds
A couple of reasons. First, the IRS still operates with fewer staff than it once did, which impacts processing speed (due to a Donald Trump’s executive order). Plus, paper returns always take more time since humans have to review them.
If your form had mistakes or the system spotted inconsistencies, your case gets set aside until an agent can look it over. Another holdup could be identity verification. If the IRS suspects possible fraud with your info, they’ll mail you a letter asking to confirm your details. Got one? Respond immediately to avoid further delays.
Tracking your refund status: the free IRS tool
Your best bet is the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool online. Just plug in your SSN or ITIN, filing status, and exact expected refund amount. It updates daily, making it your most reliable source for real-time info.
E-filed over 21 days ago with no update? Mailed paper returns past the 6-8 week mark? See if the IRS sent any notices—sometimes a single letter is the whole reason things are stuck.
When should you actually call the IRS?
If you see zero updates after three weeks (e-file) or six weeks (paper), and you’ve gotten no IRS communication, consider calling:
- For e-file issues: 800-829-1040
- For amended returns (Form 1040-X): 866-464-2050
Heads up: Phone lines get swamped. Expect wait times. But if standard processing windows passed and your refund’s MIA? Worth a shot.
Quick Refund Troubleshooting:
- E-file + Direct Deposit: Most see refunds in 10-21 days. Especially early filers.
- Paper returns (Sent May 1-15): Payments issued June 26 – July 10.
- Paper returns (Sent May 16-31): Expected July 11 – July 25.
Outside these windows? Check for errors, pending verifications, or IRS notices. Rely on “Where’s My Refund?” first. If the wait feels unbearable? Go ahead and contact them. I know waiting’s frustrating—hang in there. The IRS is working through returns, and that refund will reach you eventually.
