If you’re still waiting for your IRS tax refund, you’re definitely not the only one. Many people who filed their returns close to the deadline or sent them by post are still in line.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is working through these cases, and plenty of refunds are expected to reach taxpayers sometime in July. So don’t worry—your money is on the way.
Why Some Refunds Take Longer
If you filed your tax return online and chose direct deposit, you likely got your refund fast—usually within 10 to 21 days after the IRS accepted your return. But if you mailed your tax return, it will take longer. Paper returns need to be checked manually, which slows things down, especially if your return was flagged for review.
Staff shortages at the IRS have also made things slower. Fewer workers mean it takes longer to process returns, especially paper ones. Mistakes on the return or issues like unmatched details can also delay the process.
In some cases, the IRS might ask you to confirm your identity to prevent fraud. If you get a letter from the IRS asking for extra info, respond as soon as possible to avoid more delays.
Who’s Getting Refunds in July?
Here’s how it’s working this month:
If your paper return reached the IRS between May 1st and May 15th, you should have received your refund between June 26th and July 10th.
If you filed between May 16th and May 31st, your refund is expected to come between July 11th and July 25th.
Still waiting even if you e-filed? Double-check your return for any errors. Sometimes, having credits like the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit can slow things down because these need extra checks before approval.
How to Check Your Refund Status
The best way to find out what’s going on is to use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool. It’s free and simple. You just need to enter your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status (like single or married), and the exact refund amount you expected. This tool updates daily, so it gives you the latest information.
If your e-filed return is more than 21 days old and there’s no update, or if it’s been more than 6–8 weeks since mailing your paper return, check if the IRS has sent any notices.
When to Call the IRS
If nothing has changed after the expected time, and you haven’t received any letters or updates, then it might be time to call:
For e-file issues, call 800-829-1040
For amended returns (Form 1040-X), call 866-464-2050
Keep in mind, the phone lines are usually very busy, so you may have to wait. But if your refund is delayed beyond the normal processing time, calling can be worth it.
Quick Refund Timeline Summary
E-file + Direct Deposit: Most get refunds in 10 to 21 days.
Paper returns (sent May 1–15): Refunds sent between June 26 – July 10.
Paper returns (sent May 16–31): Refunds expected between July 11 – July 25.
Still waiting? Check for IRS letters, pending verifications, or possible mistakes.