Although many associate tax refunds with spring, the reality is that thousands of taxpayers are still receiving their refunds in the middle of summer. According to the latest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) projections, those who filed paper returns between May 16 and 31 could see their funds between July 11 and 25, 2025. A fact that surprises those who thought the tax season was over.
The main reason? Manual processing. While digital returns are managed through automated systems, physical returns require IRS employees to verify every line, document, and signature. This bottleneck explains why these returns are processed up to six weeks later than electronic ones. As one tax agent told ELMIRA: “An envelope takes three days just to be opened and registered.”
Is your refund still missing? Follow these steps.
Delays worsen when there are red flags: calculation errors, discrepancies with W-2 forms, or suspicions of identity theft. In these cases, the IRS freezes the refund to investigate. Even worse are credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC). By law (PATH Act), these refunds cannot be released before mid-February, but later adjustments can extend the process into July.
First, use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. Updated every 24 hours, it shows whether your return is under review, approved, or submitted. If you filed electronically and are over 21 days old (or have been filing on paper for eight weeks), call the IRS customer service at 800-829-1040. Have your return and ID ready.
In extreme cases—such as ignored verification notices or possible fraud—contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). This independent team within the IRS handles critical situations using Form 911. According to their annual report, they resolved 73% of pending cases in less than 30 days during 2024.
Paper tax returns are your biggest delay
Despite digital campaigns, 4.2 million Americans filed physical returns in 2025. These include older adults, rural communities with limited internet access, and those wary of online platforms. “My accountant insists on sending paper copies with return receipts,” says Marcos Rivera, a hardware store owner in New Mexico. “I’d rather wait than risk a system error.”
The IRS acknowledges the problem: its modernization budget was cut by 11% this year, delaying the digitization of historical records. Meanwhile, paper returns continue to pile up at centers like the one in Austin, Texas, where overtime shifts are being worked until September.
As a final tip, if you plan to claim complex credits or file amendments, do so digitally before the end of June to avoid the summer congestion on IRS systems and services. Also, always opt for direct deposit instead of a paper check, as it reduces the risk of delays or even loss or theft as it travels through the mail to your mailbox.
