Every year, millions of Americans file their taxes and wait to receive their refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you filed your return electronically in May or June 2025, here’s what you need to know about when to expect your payment, how to track it, and how to speed it up.
When Will You Get Your 2025 Tax Refund?
The IRS typically processes electronic returns with direct deposit within 21 days, assuming there are no errors or additional reviews. Based on this timeframe, here are some estimated refund schedules:
Refund Timeline by Filing Date (Direct Deposit):
- Filed May 2–8: Refund expected by May 23
- Filed May 4: Refund likely between May 25–31
- Filed May 9–15: Refund starting May 30
- Filed June 6–12: Refund by June 27
- Paper checks are usually 1 week later than direct deposits
Keep in mind, bank processing times vary, which might slightly delay when the money actually appears in your account.
Delays May Happen – Here’s Why
Some refunds take longer, especially if:
- Your return contains errors or missing information
- You’re claiming certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
- You’re selected for random review or audit
If the IRS needs more documents, they’ll send a letter by mail.
How to Track Your Refund: Use the IRS Free Tool
The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool helps you check your refund status quickly. It updates once per day, usually overnight.
You’ll Need:
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Filing status (single, married, etc.)
- Exact refund amount
The tool will show one of these three statuses:
- Return Received
- Refund Approved
- Refund Sent
If you don’t see updates, try again the next day. For delays over 21 days, the IRS may contact you directly.
How to Get Your Tax Refund Faster
To receive your money as quickly as possible:
- File your return electronically
- Use direct deposit instead of a paper check
- Double-check your return for errors before submitting
90% of e-filed returns with direct deposit are processed in under three weeks. In contrast, paper returns can take six weeks or more, and paper checks are more vulnerable to theft and fraud.
Check Fraud Is on the Rise
Paper checks are increasingly targeted by criminals. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reported over 680,000 check fraud cases in 2022, nearly double the number from 2021. Many of these involved stolen IRS refund checks, sometimes sold on the dark web.
To protect your refund:
- Always choose direct deposit
- Avoid sending tax information by mail unless required
If you filed your tax return electronically in May or June 2025, expect your refund within 21 days, unless you’re selected for further review. Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check progress and ensure your banking information is correct to avoid delays.
By e-filing and choosing direct deposit, you speed up the process and reduce the risk of check fraud. Stay alert and make sure you keep your information safe.